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hearty Southern Turnip Green Soup in a large bowl

Southern Turnip Green Soup

This comforting Southern Turnip Green Soup is packed with fresh turnip greens, smoky meat, and tender beans in a savory chicken broth. Every spoonful is loaded with home-cooked flavor and a hint of tradition. It’s hearty, soul-warming, and perfect for any weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound fresh turnip greens washed and chopped
  • 1 pound smoked sausage or ham hock
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 celery stalk chopped (optional)
  • 1 can 15 oz cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups chicken broth homemade or store-bought
  • 1 cup potatoes peeled and cut into chunks, optional
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • A pinch of nutmeg for a subtle warmth
  • Red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like extra heat

Method
 

  1. Warm a large pot over medium heat. If you’re using smoked sausage, slice it and cook until lightly browned. If you have a ham hock, simply place it in the pot to start the flavor base.
  2. Add chopped onion, garlic, and optional celery, then sauté until they soften and become fragrant (about 5 minutes).
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the apple cider vinegar and sugar. Stir gently to mix everything.
  4. Add the turnip greens, potatoes (if using), and cannellini beans. Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and a small pinch of nutmeg.
  5. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. The greens should turn tender, and if you used a ham hock, the meat should pull away from the bone easily.
  6. Taste and adjust seasonings. You can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a bit of spice.
  7. Serve hot with your favorite bread or cornbread.

Notes

• Feel free to replace smoked sausage or ham hock with smoked turkey for a lighter take.
• Adjust spices to suit your preference—more sugar can reduce bitterness, while vinegar adds brightness.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead.