Turnip greens come from the same family as kale. You get the same benefits. Particularly, they are high in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
Many people are familiar with turnip roots, but not many people eat turnip greens. Turnips are part of the cruciferous Brassicaceae group. They share many health benefits with other brassicas, like better detoxification and lower cancer risk. They take two years for these biennial plants to grow and reproduce.
When they do, they are a nutritional powerhouse. Although turnip greens are not the main focus of most research, they are included in many studies that examine cruciferous vegetables, dark leafy, and other greens. Turnip greens are worth attending to, as they have a higher level of nutrients than other crucifers like cauliflower and broccoli.
It’s also possible to make it at home, so you don’t have to drive to Cracker Barrel to satisfy a craving. We’ll show you how to make Cracker Barrel’s turnip greens regardless of your life stage.
Turnip Greens Recipe
How to make Cracker Barrel Turnip greens
Cracker Barrel’s turnip greens recipe has become a Southern favorite. You can cook with bacon and ham hocks or substitute turkey bacon. As a side dish, serve with cornbread, fried chicken, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Eight Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Sugar
- 1 cup chopped onion
- Salt to taste
- One tablespoon vinegar
- Chopped turnip or collard greens(32oz)
- Nine pieces of bacon slices
- Red pepper flakes
- Freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Bring the stock, water and salt to a boil in a large saucepan. Mix in the turnips. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer until tender.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Drain the greens well and place them in a bowl. Mix the vinegar, oil, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- While the greens are being cooked, heat the bacon on medium-high heat in a large skillet. Cook the bacon until crispy and frequently stir for approximately 7 minutes.
- Transfer bacon to the bowl using a slotted teaspoon. Use paper towels Drain and crumble when cool enough to handle. Reserve one tablespoon of bacon fat in a skillet.
- Add garlic and onion to the one tablespoon of bacon fat remaining in a skillet. Cook over medium heat until softened but not browned, for approximately one minute.
- Add sugar and vinegar to the pot. Heat mixture to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the mixture is syrupy. Keep stirring now and again for approximately five minutes.
- Return the turnip mixture to the skillet with the crumbled bacon. Stir well. Serve hot or at room temp.
Here are some tips to spice up this recipe
- To the mixture, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Hot sauce is a great accompaniment.
- Before serving, sprinkle some shredded cheese over the top
- To the mixture, add chopped jalapeno pepper.
Turnip Greens Key Nutrients
Turnip greens provide a broad range of nutrients that have important health benefits. These include:
- Vitamin K: Turnip greens, as well as other leafy green veggies, are rich in vitamin K. These greens also have calcium, making them a valuable source of bone-mineralizing nutrients.
- Vitamin A & Carotenoids: Turnip greens have carotenoids in both the lower and upper leaves. Beta-carotene, the most easily converted carotenoid to vitamin A by the body, is the easiest. Beta-carotene is the easiest form of carotenoid for the body to convert into vitamin A.
- Folate: A cup of turnip greens cooked contains nearly half the daily recommended intake of folate. This is an important nutrient essential for DNA and RNA synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and prevention of neural tube defects.
- Other nutrients: Turnip greens contain high vitamin C, manganese and calcium levels.
What can you serve with Cracker Barrel turnip greens?
You can make this classic dish with southern greens and serve it with many fun side dishes. This can be served as the main course if you are looking for a lighter meal.
Buttermilk Biscuits
A freshly baked buttermilk cookie is the perfect way to finish a meal if the vegetables aren’t enough. Cracker Barrel often serves this with real butter.
Gravy and Biscuits
Biscuits or gravy are great options if you want to make this your main meal. They add richness and fullness to your meal. Another favorite’s of Cracker Barrel customers is gravy.
Southern Fried Chicken
Southern fried Chicken accompanies a bowl of traditional, country-style turnip leaves. These complement each other perfectly and will leave you satisfied. some people also like to go with roasted chicken and veggies combo to enjoy this nutritious green recipe.
Country Fried Steak
Cracker Barrel’s turnip greens are the perfect accompaniment to the perfectly fried steak with gravy. You can cleanse your palate with well-cooked vegetables.
What Difference Is There Between Collard Greens And Turnip Greens?
The main difference between a turnip and collard greens is their sweeter taste. Both greens appear the same in the early stages of their growth. You can only see visual differences when they get bigger and more developed.
Also, turnip greens contain a lot of Vitamin K. This makes the dish delicious and healthy!
Where Can I Buy Turnip Greens?
You can purchase Turnip greens in most grocery shops. They are also available at Walmart. They are usually sold in large quantities, so we only need two for the recipe. You can also buy turnip greens in large plastic bags that have already been chopped.
It’s a good idea to check out turnip greens at farmer’s markets. These are the best greens you will find!
Tips and Tricks for a Better Recipe
Sometimes simple things, such as choosing the right flour, make all the difference. Here are some tips to improve your recipe.
- Choose bacon of higher quality
- For extra flavour, add more garlic
- For the best flavour, cook the greens till they are wilted.
- Salt and pepper to your liking
- For the best results, serve hot right out of the skillet
- For the best results, use a cast iron skillet
- Try different kinds of greens to see if you like the result.
- For a complete meal, serve with brown rice or quinoa.
Finally, make a large batch and keep the leftovers in your fridge for easy and quick meals later.
How To Freeze Cooked Turnip greens
You can freeze leftover cooked turnip greens for several months and enjoy them later.
Step 1: You can quickly cool the cooked turnip greens by placing them in a bowl of ice water or refrigerating them in an airtight container.
Step 2: Transfer the greens to a food storage container made of rigid plastic or a freezer bag. Leave a 1/2-inch head space in your container to allow for expansion. Pack large quantities of greens into small batches to ensure the highest quality.
Step 3: To seal the container, press a lid on top of it. Before sealing the zip-lock, squeeze out excess air from the freezer bag.
Step 4: Use freezer tape to label the bag or container with the storage date.
Step 5: For 10-12 months, place the turnip greens in an airtight container at 0° Fahrenheit.
Reheat Cracker Barrel Turnip greens Recipe
Heating in a microwave oven
- Keep it frozen until you are ready to use it.
- Take the amount you want from the package.
- Place the dish on a microwavable platter.
- Microwave the bag on high for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes.
- Allow standing for one minute in the microwave before you serve.
Heating in an oven conventional:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C).
- Take the amount you want from the package.
- Bake for about 10-12 minutes on a baking tray. Stir halfway through the heating process.
Conclusion
Turnip greens can be made quickly and are delicious. They can be served as a side dish to a family meal or as a low-carb option for your own dinner. Turnip greens have many health benefits because they are rich in vitamins and minerals.
You can combine this side dish with meatloaves and dumplings or grill chicken for a full meal. The leftovers can be kept in the freezer or refrigerator. Make sure to heat the leftovers before serving them along with other meals.
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