Southern smothered cabbage is cooked with onions, garlic, spices, and smoked turkey meat. This is one of my all-time favorite Southern side dishes!.
Hey cousins! It’s been a minute since I’ve shared a smothered recipe. Given how much you all enjoyed my previous smothered dishes—like my smothered sausage and smothered chicken—
This smothered cabbage recipe is easy and uses minimal ingredients. All you need is a flavorful broth cooked with cabbage, onions, garlic, and the ideal blend of spices. In this recipe, I use Creole spices. I use smoked turkey for this recipe because it has a lot of flavor, so I don’t need to season it heavily.
It’s one simple cabbage recipe that’s not time-consuming. Cooking the turkey takes the longest! And it’s foolproof. Let’s get started on making Southern smothered cabbage with smoked turkey; I hope you all give it a try!
Are you craving a hearty and flavorful dish that’s bursting with Southern charm? Look no further than this classic Southern cabbage recipe featuring boiled cabbage in a smoky, meaty broth. It’s a staple on many dinner tables, and for good reason!
But before you dive into this culinary adventure, you might be wondering, “How long should I boil the turkey tails for the cabbage?” Well, my friend, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the secrets of perfectly boiled turkey tails, ensuring your cabbage dish reaches its full potential.
Understanding the Importance of Boiling Time
Boiling turkey tails is a crucial step in this recipe, as it infuses the broth with a rich, smoky flavor that permeates the cabbage, creating an irresistible taste sensation. But boiling them for too long can result in dry, tough meat, while under-boiling leaves you with a bland broth and uncooked turkey. So, finding the sweet spot is key.
The Golden Rule: 1 Hour of Simmering Bliss
The general rule of thumb for boiling turkey tails for cabbage is 1 hour. This allows the meat to become tender and juicy, releasing its flavorful essence into the broth. However, several factors can influence the boiling time, so it’s essential to be flexible and adjust accordingly.
Factors Influencing Boiling Time
- Size of the turkey tails: Larger tails may require slightly longer boiling times, while smaller ones might be ready in less than an hour.
- Desired tenderness: If you prefer your turkey tails extra tender, you can simmer them for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Water level: Ensure the water level covers the turkey tails completely throughout the boiling process. Adding more water during boiling can dilute the broth’s flavor.
Tips for Perfectly Boiled Turkey Tails
- Start with cold water: Placing the turkey tails in cold water ensures even cooking and prevents the meat from becoming tough.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer: Once the water boils, reduce the heat and let the turkey tails simmer gently for the recommended time.
- Check for doneness: After an hour, use a fork to check the tenderness of the meat. It should easily flake apart. If not, continue simmering for a few more minutes.
- Reserve the broth: Don’t discard the flavorful broth! Use it to cook the cabbage, adding depth and richness to the dish.
Beyond the Basics: Additional Considerations
- Seasoning the broth: While the turkey tails simmer, add your favorite seasonings to the broth, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or even a touch of cayenne pepper for a kick.
- Adding vegetables: Feel free to toss in some chopped onions, carrots, or celery to the broth for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Using different cuts of meat: If turkey tails aren’t readily available, you can substitute them with smoked turkey wings, legs, or even ham hocks. Just adjust the boiling time accordingly.
By following these tips and understanding the importance of boiling time you’ll be well on your way to creating a mouthwatering Southern cabbage dish that’s bursting with flavor and soul. Remember practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.
Now, go forth and conquer the art of boiled turkey tails! Your taste buds will thank you.
Cooking Smoked Turkey for Smothered Cabbage
The second most important ingredient for Southern smothered cabbage is the meat. In this case, flavorful smoked turkey! I use one large smoked turkey wing. Just put the smoked turkey in a deep pot with enough water to cover the wing (about 4 cups) to cook it to perfection. It takes me about 30 to 35 minutes to cook the turkey until it’s nice and tender. Bring the pot to a boil.
Now, here’s the important part. When that smoked turkey is done, very little liquid will be left in the pot. We want every last bit of flavor in that tiny liquid, so keep it in the pot and set it aside; we’ll come back to it! This is what we want, and don’t you DARE throw it out!
Take the turkey out of the pot and chop it up into bite-sized chunks, and then it’s ready. You’ve completed the most challenging step of this recipe!.
What is Smothered Cabbage?
The first thing we should talk about is what exactly smothered cabbage is. The word “smothered” in this recipe actually refers to how it’s cooked, because, as I previously stated, I don’t make this recipe with any gravy. Instead, it’s smothered with zesty Creole flavor.
Smothered cabbage is cooked on the stovetop in a covered pot over medium heat with little liquid. This cooking method is called smothering. It’s basically the stovetop equivalent to braising and is a very common cooking method in Louisiana cuisines like Cajun and Creole. You can smother all sorts of meats and vegetables, but it doesn’t always require gravy.
Southern Cabbage With Smoked Turkey Recipe | Cabbage Recipe
FAQ
How long do you boil cabbage to get it tender?
How long does it take to boil cabbage leaves?
How long does boil cabbage last?
Why do you put vinegar in cabbage when boiling it?
How long do you cook cabbage & turkey tails in a crock pot?
This Southern-style cabbage is succulent and tasty with a flavor you’ll die for, making it the perfect vegetable side dish for a family dinner. 1. Place a skillet or pot over medium heat, add in the broth and turkey tails, then cover with a lid and simmer until tender, for about 45 minutes. 2.
How do you Cook boiled cabbage with smoked turkey?
I especially love how the boiled cabbage with smoked turkey comes out tender and buttery with a kick of spice. The secret to achieving perfectly tender cabbage is to simmer it in a flavorful broth. The longer it boils, the more tender it becomes. The broth is sooo delicious, perfect for slurping.
How do you cook a smoked turkey in a pot?
Bring to a simmer and cover. Simmer for about 5-10 minutes. Add cabbage and toss. Cover and continue simmering (do not boil) until your desired firmness is reached, tossing cabbage mid-way. When cabbage is done removed the turkey and chop it up into small bits. Return smoked turkey to pot. Taste cabbage and season with smoked salt and black pepper.
How long do turkey tails take to cook?
When braised, turkey tails should cook for about 2-3 hours. However, cooking times will vary depending on the size and thickness of the tails. When cooked properly, turkey tails are juicy and full of flavor. So, take your time and cook them low and slow for the best results. Are turkey tails good eating?