The truth is that you can either make excellent greens or you can’t. This recipe for collard greens with smoked turkey is here to help you handle the holidays and Sunday dinner like the chef you are! Before I walk you through the recipe, I would be remiss if I didn’t share a little bit about the history of collard greens and the reasons they are so important to African Americans. I certainly don’t want my peeps to be on the “nasty greens” list!
African Americans have a long-standing custom of eating collard greens that is deeply ingrained in their hearts. Although collard greens have been prepared for centuries, the Southern cooking method originated with the influx of African slaves to the southern colonies, who had to feed their families and themselves. The practice of eating greens that have been reduced to a low gravy and sipping the juices (referred to as “pot likker”) is African in origin, even though greens are not native to the continent. The leftover food from the plantation kitchen was distributed to the slaves working on the estates. The tops of turnips and other greens made up part of this meal. The slaves were also given pig feet and ham hocks. They had to make meals out of these leftovers, so they came up with the well-known southern greens. When slaves started working as cooks in the plantation homes, their diet started to change and spread. Their African recipes, which incorporated local ingredients, started to influence modern Southern cooking.
I’ll admit that aside from the fact that collard greens are a classic southern dish, I didn’t really know much about the history before I started making greens. The term “pot likker,” which we now know refers to the juices from the greens when they cook down with the smoked meat, was also foreign to me. However, I am grateful for my Black heritage and the long-standing custom of slow-cooked greens in our homes and hearts.
Smoked turkey tails are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. However, many people are unsure of how long to cook them for. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to cook smoked turkey tails to perfection, whether you’re using them in a recipe like Smoked Turkey Tails over Rice or Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey.
Cooking Time
The cooking time for smoked turkey tails will vary depending on the cooking method and the desired level of doneness. Here are some general guidelines:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the turkey tails in a baking dish and cook for approximately 60-90 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking times may vary, so it’s recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Stovetop: Place the turkey tails in a large pot of boiling water. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until they are tender.
- Slow Cooker: Place the turkey tails in a slow cooker with your desired seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until they are tender.
Tips for Cooking Smoked Turkey Tails
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey tails are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Don’t overcook the turkey tails, as they will become dry and tough.
- Add additional seasonings to the turkey tails before cooking, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder.
- Serve the turkey tails with your favorite sides, such as rice, mashed potatoes, or green beans.
Recipes Using Smoked Turkey Tails
- Smoked Turkey Tails over Rice: This recipe from Villari Foods is a simple and flavorful way to enjoy smoked turkey tails. The turkey tails are cooked in a rich sauce and served over a bed of white rice.
- Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey: This recipe from Jaylynn Little is a classic Southern dish that is perfect for a holiday meal. The collard greens are cooked with smoked turkey tails, onions, and garlic, and then seasoned with a variety of spices.
Cooking smoked turkey tails is easy and can be done using a variety of methods. By following the tips and recipes provided in this guide you can be sure to cook smoked turkey tails to perfection.
Additional Resources
Disclaimer: I am an AI chatbot and cannot provide medical or legal advice.
Collard greens with smoked turkey
- Author: Jaylynn Little
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Collard greens with smoked turkey
You must thoroughly clean your greens before cooking them. Collard greens grow in sand and dirt, so before cooking, make sure to remove any debris. I think the best way is to put the greens in your CLEAN sink and soak them in a solution of one tablespoon vinegar and cold water. You need to use cold water to prevent the greens from wilting. Let them soak for about an hour. After an hour, drain the water they have been soaking in and give them another rinse in cold water. Keep washing/rinsing until the the greens are clean. After I’m satisfied the greens are clean, I run a second load of cold water into the sink and let the greens soak for a further ten or so minutes. Put a transparent glass cup in the water. Your greens are clean and prepared for drying and chopping if the water in the glass is clear. If the water is still murky, they are not clean. **You are welcome to use the prepared collard greens that are included in the bag if you don’t want to spend a few hours cleaning greens. They are already cut and cleaned. **.
After cleaning, pat the collard greens down with paper towels to help them absorb some of the moisture. So you can cut your greens 2 ways….
Technique 1: cut off the thick stem, stack a few greens on top of one another, roll them horizontally, and chop them into tiny pieces.
Approach 2: cut off the thick stem, fold the greens in half, and shred them into tiny pieces.
Though I usually end up tearing them, I prefer method 1 because they look so pretty when they are perfectly cut.
Therefore, traditional Southern greens include some sort of meat, like ham hocks and smoked turkey legs, tails, and necks. In this recipe, we use smoked turkey tails, but you can use any type of meat that you like; the key is to use a meaty cut of smoke meat. Thus, begin by running cold water over your smoked turkey tails. I purchased these at Wegmans, and each pack contained four. After I’ve rinsed them, I put them in a big pot and add water to cover. After that, put the lid on and cook for 30 to 35 minutes on medium high, or until they are fork-tender. With two forks, carefully remove the meat from the pot and separate it from the bone.
To the pot, add the oil, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, greens, onions, and roughly 4 and a half cups of water. Reintroduce the smoked turkey meat to the pot and stir to combine. After letting the greens simmer for approximately 45 minutes, incorporate the dry seasonings. Cook for another 30 minutes and they are done. To add even more heat, drizzle some hot sauce over them and dig in!
Turkey tails – and what to do with them.
FAQ
How do you prepare turkey tails to eat?
Are smoked turkey tails fully cooked?
Is turkey tail meat good to eat?
How do you prepare turkey tails for consumption?
How long does it take to cook a turkey tail?
Cut one large turkey tail into thin slices, about ¼ inch thick. Give oil on each piece lightly and sprinkle with salt or seasoning of your choice (I used chili powder). Bake for 10 minutes until crispy and golden brown on both sides—keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. Prep time: 5 min Cook Time:8 min Serving: 4 people Cooking Difficulty: Easy
How do you cook a turkey tail in the oven?
Place on an oven rack about an inch apart and season with salt and paper. Place a container underneath to catch the fat. Grill in the oven until well-browned. If necessary, turn over to brown the other side. While the turkey tails brown, prepare the stir fry. Heat the cooking oil in a wok. Saute the garlic and ginger until fragrant.
How do you cook a turkey tail on a grill?
Grill: Prepare an indirect heat zone between 250 and 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Take the tails out of the marinade and pat them dry with a paper towel after an hour. Apply around 1 tablespoon of turkey rub on the entire body. Smoke the turkey tails, skin side up, for about 2 1/2 hours over indirect heat.
How do you cook a smoked turkey tail?
The meat should fall off the bone and the smoked turkey taste is infused throughout every forkful of greens. Serve with hot sauce to taste. Simmer the turkey tails for about an hour. Drain and cool. Cut the meat into 1/2 inch slices. Place on an oven rack about an inch apart and season with salt and paper.