Cooked into a traditional potlikker

Cooked into a traditional potlikker recipe videos

Potlikker (also spelled pot liquor) is the savory, nutrient-rich broth left behind after simmering leafy greens like collards, turnip greens, or kale, often with smoked meat for flavor. It's a cornerstone of Southern U.S. cuisine, particularly in African American and Appalachian food traditions, traditionally served with cornbread for dipping. The dish transforms humble ingredients into a deeply flavorful, comforting staple.

🍳 View the full Cooked into a traditional potlikker recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Potlikker is low in carbs and fat but provides a good amount of protein if cooked with meat, and is exceptionally high in vitamins A, C, K, and minerals like iron and calcium from the greens. A typical serving (about 1 cup) is quite low in calories, generally ranging from 50-100 calories depending on the amount of meat used.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	45 kcal
Protein	2.5 g
Carbs	8 g
Fat	0.5 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	3 g
Sodium	350 mg
Potassium	450 mg
Vitamin A	180 mcg RAE
Vitamin C	25 mg
Vitamin K	90 mcg
Calcium	100 mg
Iron	1.5 mg
Magnesium	25 mg
Folate	60 mcg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, potlikker embodies a 'waste-not' philosophy, where the broth is prized as much as the greens themselves, and it's often shared as a symbol of hospitality. Nutritionally, the cooking process leaches many water-soluble vitamins from the greens into the broth, making it a potent, drinkable source of nutrients.