Yesss—cabbage with smoked turkey is straight-up comfort food 🥬🍗. Savory, smoky, and even better the next day. Here’s a classic, no-fuss version with a few tasty upgrades if you want them.
🥬 Cabbage with Smoked Turkey
Ingredients
- 1 large head green cabbage, chopped
- 1–1½ lbs smoked turkey (legs, wings, or necks)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3–4 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional but 🔥)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste (go easy—smoked turkey is salty)
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Brown the turkey
Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add smoked turkey and brown for a few minutes to wake up that smoky flavor. - Build the base
Add onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds. - Simmer
Pour in broth, add black pepper and paprika. Cover and simmer 30–40 minutes until the turkey is tender and flavorful. - Add cabbage
Stir in cabbage (it’ll look like way too much—trust the process). Cover and cook 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. - Taste & finish
Adjust salt, add red pepper flakes if you like heat.
🔥 Flavor Boost Options
- Southern-style: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end.
- Pot liquor goals: Toss in a diced potato or two.
- Extra savory: A pinch of sugar balances the smoke and salt.
- One-pot meal: Serve over rice or with cornbread 😮💨
If you want, I can make this:
- Slow cooker friendly
- Instant Pot version
- Low-sodium tweak
- Or jazz it up with bacon, sausage, or carrots
What vibe are you going for—deep Southern, weeknight quick, or extra smoky?
