Skip to main content
Epicurious
Cookbooks

Turnip Greens

By Sema Wilkes

4.3

(11)

Photo of Turnip Greens on a serving platter with a large spoons on the side.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Prop Styling by Megan Hedgpeth, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich

How do you spot a Yankee at Mrs. Wilkes'? He motions toward the turnip greens and says, "Please pass the spinach."

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

1 bunch fresh turnip greens with roots
1 medium piece salt pork
1 cup water
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons bacon drippings, butter, or margarine
Pinch of sugar (optional)

Preparation

  1. Strip the stems from the greens (unless they’re very tender) and wash thoroughly. Place in a saucepan and add the pork, water, and salt. Cook, covered, for 45 minutes over medium heat, or until tender. Remove the pork and pour the greens into a colander to drain. Place in a pan and chop scissor-like with two knives. If necessary, add more salt to taste. Keep hot and add the bacon drippings and a pinch of sugar.

Mrs. Wilkes' Boardinghouse Cookbook Ten Speed Press
TagsSouthernAmericanLeafy GreensVegetableSideDinnerGluten FreeNut FreeKetoEasy5 Ingredients or FewerSimmerCookbooks

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

Read More
The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Caramelized Onion Pasta
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App This Week
Like potato pea chowder and green goddess grain bowls.
29 Spring Pastas to Make the Most of Seasonal Produce
Like spicy carrot rigatoni and weeknight-fancy ravioli with peas.
Gingery Pork and Sugar Snap Pea Stir-Fry
Thinly sliced and cooked hot and fast, pork tenderloin is the juicy, cook-quicking weeknight champion of this vegetable-heavy stir-fry.
The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App in March
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.
How to Thaw Fish Fast
The most efficient method takes less than an hour, but you might not even need it.
13 Types of Nuts and How to Cook With Them
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.