Braised Turnip Greens
I still remember the first time I had braised turnip greens - it was at my grandmother's house, and she had cooked them to perfection with a rich, savory flavor that complemented her roasted chicken beautifully. Since then, I've been hooked on this low-carb keto side dish. In this recipe, I'll show you how to make braised turnip greens from scratch using real food and flavor.
As a home cook, I've found that the key to making great braised turnip greens is to use high-quality ingredients and to not be afraid to get creative with the recipe. You can use this dish as a side for a variety of meals, from roasted meats to grilled fish. The best part is that it's incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
One of the things I love about braised turnip greens is that they're a great way to get your daily dose of greens in. Turnip greens are packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron. They're also low in calories and carbs, making them a great option for those following a keto diet.
In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of butter, garlic, and chicken broth to give the turnip greens a rich, savory flavor. We'll also be adding in some red pepper flakes to give it a bit of spice. You can adjust the level of heat to your liking, but I find that the red pepper flakes add a nice depth of flavor to the dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
- The dish is low in carbs and calories, making it a great option for those following a keto diet.
- The turnip greens are packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron.
- The recipe is versatile and can be used as a side dish for a variety of meals.
- The dish is flavorful and delicious, with a rich, savory flavor that's sure to please.
Why This Recipe Works
The key to making great braised turnip greens is to cook them low and slow, allowing the flavors to meld together and the greens to become tender. This recipe uses a combination of butter, garlic, and chicken broth to give the turnip greens a rich, savory flavor. The acidity in the chicken broth helps to break down the cell walls of the greens, making them tender and easy to digest.
The fat content in the butter and chicken broth also helps to enhance the flavor of the dish and keep the greens moist. By cooking the greens in a covered pot, we're able to trap the heat and moisture, allowing the greens to cook evenly and preventing them from becoming dry or overcooked.
Finally, the red pepper flakes add a bit of heat to the dish, which helps to balance out the richness of the butter and chicken broth. You can adjust the level of heat to your liking, but I find that the red pepper flakes add a nice depth of flavor to the dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including turnip greens, butter, garlic, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes. You can find turnip greens at most grocery stores, usually in the produce section. When selecting turnip greens, look for bunches with fresh, crisp leaves and no signs of wilting.
- 2 lbs (900g) turnip greens, choppedTurnip greens are the star of this dish, providing a boost of nutrients and flavor. Look for fresh, crisp leaves with no signs of wilting.
- 4 tablespoons (55g) unsalted butterButter adds a rich, creamy flavor to the dish and helps to keep the greens moist. You can also use other fats like ghee or coconut oil if you prefer.
- 3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent flavor to the dish and helps to balance out the richness of the butter. You can adjust the amount of garlic to your liking, but I find that 3 cloves is the perfect amount.
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken brothChicken broth adds moisture and flavor to the dish, helping to break down the cell walls of the greens and make them tender. You can use low-sodium broth if you're watching your salt intake.
- 1/2 teaspoon saltSalt enhances the flavor of the dish and helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the turnip greens. You can adjust the amount of salt to your liking, but I find that 1/2 teaspoon is the perfect amount.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper adds a subtle kick to the dish and helps to balance out the flavors. You can adjust the amount of pepper to your liking, but I find that 1/4 teaspoon is the perfect amount.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakesRed pepper flakes add a bit of heat to the dish, helping to balance out the richness of the butter and chicken broth. You can adjust the level of heat to your liking, but I find that 1/4 teaspoon is the perfect amount.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsleyParsley adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the dish and helps to balance out the richness of the butter and chicken broth. You can also use other herbs like thyme or rosemary if you prefer.
- 1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese adds a nutty, savory flavor to the dish and helps to balance out the flavors. You can also use other cheeses like cheddar or feta if you prefer.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juiceLemon juice adds a bit of brightness to the dish, helping to balance out the richness of the butter and chicken broth. You can adjust the amount of lemon juice to your liking, but I find that 2 tablespoons is the perfect amount.
Equipment You’ll Need
How to Make Braised Turnip Greens
- 1Rinse the turnip greens in cold water, then chop them into bite-sized pieces. Remove any stems or tough leaves, and set the greens aside.
- 2In a large heavy pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and slightly softened.
- 3Add the chopped turnip greens to the pot, and cook for 5-7 minutes, until they start to wilt. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- 4Pour in the chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 20-25 minutes, until the greens are tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- 5Stir in the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the flavors have melded together.
- 6Remove the pot from the heat, and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
- 7Squeeze the lemon juice over the top of the greens, and stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- 8Let the greens rest for 5-10 minutes, covered, before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the greens to retain their moisture.
- 9Serve the braised turnip greens hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired. You can also serve them as a side dish for a variety of meals, such as roasted meats or grilled fish.
- 10To make ahead, cook the greens up to a day in advance, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve. Reheat the greens over low heat, adding a bit of chicken broth or water if needed to prevent drying out.
Expert Tips
- Use fresh, crisp turnip greens for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overcook the greens, as they can become bitter and unappetizing.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and red pepper flakes to your liking, depending on your personal taste preferences.
- Add other ingredients to the dish, such as diced onion or chopped bacon, to give it more flavor and texture.
- Serve the braised turnip greens as a side dish for a variety of meals, such as roasted meats or grilled fish.
- Reheat the greens over low heat, adding a bit of chicken broth or water if needed to prevent drying out.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or feta, to find the one you like best.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the greens, which can make them bitter and unappetizing.
- Not using enough butter or chicken broth, which can result in dry, flavorless greens.
- Not seasoning the dish enough, which can make it taste bland and unappetizing.
- Not letting the greens rest before serving, which can cause them to lose their moisture and flavor.
- Using low-quality ingredients, such as wilted turnip greens or low-sodium chicken broth, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
- Not adjusting the amount of garlic and red pepper flakes to your liking, which can make the dish too spicy or overpowering.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add diced onion or chopped bacon to the dish for added flavor and texture.
- Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or feta, to give the dish a unique flavor.
- Add other ingredients, such as chopped bell peppers or sliced mushrooms, to the dish for added flavor and texture.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth or no-salt-added butter to reduce the sodium content of the dish.
- Serve the braised turnip greens as a main course, topped with grilled meats or fish.
- Experiment with different spices and seasonings, such as paprika or thyme, to give the dish a unique flavor.
What to Serve With Braised Turnip Greens
This recipe makes a great side dish for a variety of meals, such as roasted meats or grilled fish. You can also serve it as a main course, topped with grilled meats or fish. Some other ideas for serving the braised turnip greens include:
As a side dish for roasted chicken or beef, paired with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
As a main course, topped with grilled salmon or shrimp, and served with a side of quinoa or brown rice.
As a vegetarian option, served with a side of roasted vegetables or whole grain bread.
Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating
To store the braised turnip greens, let them cool to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze them. Refrigerated greens will keep for up to 3 days, while frozen greens will keep for up to 3 months.
To reheat the greens, simply microwave them for 30-60 seconds, or heat them over low heat on the stovetop, adding a bit of chicken broth or water if needed to prevent drying out.
When freezing the greens, make sure to press out as much air as possible from the container or bag before sealing, to prevent freezer burn and maintain the texture and flavor of the greens.
Reheated greens can be served as a side dish or used as an ingredient in other recipes, such as soups or stews. You can also add them to omelets or frittatas for a nutritious and delicious breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to cook turnip greens?
The best way to cook turnip greens is to braise them in a flavorful liquid, such as chicken broth, with some aromatics like garlic and onion. This helps to break down the cell walls and make the greens tender and flavorful.
Can I use other types of greens in this recipe?
Yes, you can use other types of greens in this recipe, such as kale or collard greens. However, keep in mind that different greens have different cooking times and flavor profiles, so you may need to adjust the recipe accordingly.
How do I store braised turnip greens?
To store braised turnip greens, let them cool to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze them. Refrigerated greens will keep for up to 3 days, while frozen greens will keep for up to 3 months.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply cook the greens up to a day in advance, then refrigerate or freeze them until ready to serve. Reheat the greens over low heat, adding a bit of chicken broth or water if needed to prevent drying out.
What is the nutritional content of this recipe?
The nutritional content of this recipe will depend on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. However, in general, turnip greens are low in calories and rich in nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron.
Can I use this recipe as a main course?
Yes, you can use this recipe as a main course, topped with grilled meats or fish. Simply add some protein and other ingredients to make it more substantial.
How do I reheat braised turnip greens?
To reheat braised turnip greens, simply microwave them for 30-60 seconds, or heat them over low heat on the stovetop, adding a bit of chicken broth or water if needed to prevent drying out.
Can I freeze braised turnip greens?
Yes, you can freeze braised turnip greens. Simply cool them to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) turnip greens, chopped
- 4 tablespoons (55g) unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Rinse the turnip greens in cold water, then chop them into bite-sized pieces. Remove any stems or tough leaves, and set the greens aside.
- In a large heavy pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Add the chopped turnip greens to the pot, and cook for 5-7 minutes, until they start to wilt. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Pour in the chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 20-25 minutes, until the greens are tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Stir in the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the flavors have melded together.
- Remove the pot from the heat, and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
- Squeeze the lemon juice over the top of the greens, and stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Let the greens rest for 5-10 minutes, covered, before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the greens to retain their moisture.
- Serve the braised turnip greens hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired. You can also serve them as a side dish for a variety of meals, such as roasted meats or grilled fish.
- To make ahead, cook the greens up to a day in advance, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve. Reheat the greens over low heat, adding a bit of chicken broth or water if needed to prevent drying out.