Here’s a hearty and flavorful Turnip Green Soup recipe — a Southern classic that’s comforting, savory, and perfect for cool days. This soup is often made with smoked meats, beans, and potatoes or turnips, but can easily be adapted for vegetarian diets too.
🥣 Southern-Style Turnip Green Soup
🍽️ Serves: 6–8
🕒 Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 45–60 min
👨🍳 Method: Stovetop (can be adapted for slow cooker)
🧾 Ingredients:
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1 tbsp olive oil or bacon grease
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1 small onion, diced
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2–3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (12-16 oz) package turnip greens (fresh or frozen, chopped)
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1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
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1 (14 oz) can white beans or black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
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2–3 small potatoes or turnips, peeled and diced (optional)
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4–5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
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1 smoked ham hock, 1 cup diced smoked sausage, or bacon (optional but adds depth)
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1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Splash of hot sauce or vinegar, for finishing
🔪 Instructions:
🔹 1. Sauté Aromatics
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In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat.
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Add onion and cook until softened (5–6 minutes).
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Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
🔹 2. Add Meat (if using)
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Add ham hock, smoked sausage, or bacon and sauté briefly to release flavor.
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If using sausage or bacon, brown it lightly before proceeding.
🔹 3. Build the Soup
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Add the turnip greens, diced tomatoes, beans, potatoes/turnips, and broth.
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Stir in red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
🔹 4. Simmer
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 45–60 minutes, or until the greens are tender and the flavors are well combined.
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If using a ham hock, remove it at the end, shred the meat, and return it to the pot.
🔹 5. Finish & Serve
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Add a splash of vinegar or hot sauce to brighten the flavors.
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Taste and adjust seasoning.
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Serve hot with cornbread or crusty bread on the side.
📝 Variations:
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Vegetarian version: Skip the smoked meat and add extra beans or a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.
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Creamy version: Stir in a splash of cream or a spoonful of sour cream before serving.
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Spicy version: Add chopped jalapeño or more red pepper flakes.
