Southern-style turnip greens with ham hocks

Southern-style turnip greens with ham hocks recipe videos

Southern-style turnip greens with ham hocks is a soulful, slow-simmered dish from the American South, featuring tender, slightly peppery turnip greens cooked low and low with smoky, meaty ham hocks for deep flavor. The greens are typically braised in a savory broth with onions, garlic, and sometimes a touch of vinegar or hot sauce, creating a comforting, rustic staple often served with cornbread.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is relatively high in protein and fat from the ham hocks, while being low in carbohydrates, making it a hearty, nutrient-dense option. It's an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium, with a typical serving ranging from 200 to 300 calories depending on portion size and added fats.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	180 kcal
Protein	12 g
Carbs	8 g
Fat	12 g
Fiber	4 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	680 mg
Potassium	420 mg
Vitamin A	350 mcg RAE
Vitamin C	25 mg
Vitamin K	300 mcg
Calcium	150 mg
Iron	2.5 mg
Magnesium	40 mg
Folate	80 mcg

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

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, this dish reflects the resourceful 'nose-to-tail' cooking traditions of Southern cuisine, where ham hocks—a humble, inexpensive cut—transform simple greens into a rich, flavorful meal. Nutritionally, the slow cooking process helps break down the greens' tough fibers, making their vitamins and minerals more bioavailable, while the collagen from the ham hocks adds a silky texture and gut-friendly benefits.