Braised Kale, Turnips, Apple and Turkey

If you’re looking for an alternative to the standard root veggies and greens, you’ll love this sweet and savory spin on the classic braised greens. Making the most of sweet and savory versatility of turnips, the star of this dish is the roots and greens the star of the show. Adding fresh grated apple and shredded turkey adds full body flavor without adding calories. his light dish could also be made vegetarian without the turkey by substituting apple cider for broth or vegan with your favorite butter alternative.

Photo and recipe adapted from Bon Appetit and Good Life Eats.

Visit their site to see original recipe, photos and details or scroll down for our interpretation.

Braised Kale, Turnips, Apple and Turkey

prep time: 20 min
cook time: 1 hr 10 min
6-8 servings

Dish ingredients

1 lb smoked turkey wing or breast

3 cups onions

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Fine sea salt, freshly ground pepper to taste

1 lb turnips

6 garlic cloves

1 head kale leaves 

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

3 tbsp (1/4 stick) unsalted butter

Preparation

1. Place turkey wing in a large pot. Add 12 cups water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until turkey is tender, about 1 hour. Drain, reserving 4 cups broth. Let wing cool. Coarsely shred meat, discarding skin and bones.

2. Meanwhile, prepare the vegetables. Thinly slice onions. Peel 1 medium apple and grate. Peel turnips and cut into 1 inch cubes. Mince garlic cloves. Tear kale leaves into 1-2 inch strips. 

3. In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add onions and pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté until onions begin to soften, about 4 minutes. 

4. Add turnips, apple, garlic, and 2 cups reserved turkey-wing broth. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes. Add kale and brown sugar. 

5. Cook, stirring often and adding broth by 1/4 cupfuls if dry, until turnips are tender and kale is wilted, about 10 minutes. 

6. Stir in reserved turkey meat. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle cider vinegar over; add 1 tbsp butter and stir until butter melts.

7. For added flavor and to taste you can add walnuts, tamari, soy sauce, or apple cider while kale is cooking.

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