South Ga Turnips
Transport your taste buds to Southern Georgia with this hearty 'South Ga Turnips' recipe, a savory celebration of tender turnips and their nutrient-rich greens simmered to perfection. This comforting dish features smoky ham hock, aromatic onion and garlic, and a subtle touch of apple cider vinegar for balance, all steeped in a flavorful broth of chicken stock and spices. With layers of rustic charm, from buttery sautéed aromatics to the satisfying fork-tender turnip roots, this slow-cooked classic is ideal as a side dish or standalone meal. Garnish with the shredded ham hock meat and serve hot alongside flaky biscuits or cornbread for a true Southern comfort food experience. Perfect for weeknights or holiday tables, this recipe embodies the warm, soul-soothing flavors of the South.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 medium turnips (roots and greens)
- 1 large smoked ham hock
- 6 cups water
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Thoroughly wash the turnips, separating the roots and greens. Peel and dice the roots into 1-inch cubes. Chop the greens into bite-sized pieces, removing tough stems.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the ham hock, water, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes to develop flavor.
Add the diced turnip roots to the pot. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the roots are fork-tender.
While the roots are cooking, melt the unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture, chopped greens, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot with the turnips and ham hock. Stir to combine.
Cover and simmer for another 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender and the flavors are well combined.
Taste the broth and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt and pepper.
Remove the ham hock from the pot, shred any meat off the bone, and return the meat to the pot. Discard the bone and any excess fat.
Serve the South Ga Turnips hot, making sure to spoon some of the flavorful broth into each serving. Pair with cornbread or biscuits for a classic Southern meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1542 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 98.5 g | 126% | |
| Saturated Fat | 39.6 g | 198% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 380 mg | 126% | |
| Sodium | 6070 mg | 264% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 71.3 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.5 g | 77% | |
| Total Sugars | 37.6 g | ||
| Protein | 100.4 g | 201% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 463 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 9.3 mg | 52% | |
| Potassium | 3354 mg | 71% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
