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
Apple-Walnut Charoset
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App in March
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.
Caramelized Onion Pasta
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
One-Pan Herbed Chicken and Biscuits
Biscuits and gravy, but make it spring.
31 Easter Desserts, Each One Better Than a Chocolate Egg
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.
Essential Easter Recipes for Brunch, Dinner, and Dessert
Grab your Easter basket and hop in—you’ll want to collect each and every one of these fun and easy Easter recipes.
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.
Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon
This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.