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.
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Add chopped onion, garlic, and optional celery, then sauté until they soften and become fragrant (about 5 minutes).
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the apple cider vinegar and sugar. Stir gently to mix everything.
- Add the turnip greens, potatoes (if using), and cannellini beans. Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and a small pinch of nutmeg.
- 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.
- Taste and adjust seasonings. You can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a bit of spice.
- 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.
• 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.