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Turnip Greens Cooked in Rich Pork Stock

This high-protein dish of turnip greens cooked in a rich pork stock is a masterclass in extracting deep, savoury flavours from simple ingredients. By simmering smoked pork shoulder to create a bespoke broth, the greens absorb a wonderful depth that balances their natural, slightly peppery notes. It is a traditional, comforting way to enjoy leafy greens, ensuring they remain succulent rather than bitter.

Ideal for those seeking a nutritious and mineral-rich side dish, this recipe works equally well with kale or mustard greens depending on what is seasonal. The addition of thinly sliced sweet onion provides a crisp, fresh contrast to the tender leaves. Serve it alongside roasted meats or as part of a wholesome weekend lunch for a boost of iron and vitamins.

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Ingredients for Turnip Greens Cooked in Rich Pork Stock

  • 3850ml water

  • 450g piece smoked pork shoulder or ham shanks, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

  • 1.4kg coarsely chopped turnip greens, kale, or mustard greens, thick stems discarded

  • Thinly sliced sweet onion (such as Vidalia or Maui

  • optional)

How to make Turnip Greens Cooked in Rich Pork Stock

Combine 3850ml water and pork in very large deep pot; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 1 1/2 hours. Using sieve or slotted spoon, remove pork pieces from broth and discard. DO AHEAD: Broth can be made 2 days ahead. Cool slightly. Chill uncovered until cold, then cover and keep chilled.

Return broth to boil. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Add greens to broth by large handfuls, allowing greens to wilt slightly before adding more. Cover and boil gently over medium heat just until greens are tender, about 10 minutes for mustard greens and 20 minutes for turnip greens or kale.

Drain, reserving cooking liquid. Transfer greens to serving bowl. Moisten generously with cooking liquid (reserve remaining cooking liquid for another use). Season to taste with salt and generous amount of pepper. Scatter onion over, if desired, and serve.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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