Cabbage with Smoked Turkey

Cooking tutorial

Ingredients

• 1 large head of green cabbage (about 2 to 3 lbs)
• 1 lb smoked turkey wings or necks
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups water
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp seasoned salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. 1

   Rinse the smoked turkey pieces under cold water and place them in a large pot with 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and let it simmer for 45 minutes to get that smoky broth going.

2. 2

   While the turkey is cooking, cut the cabbage into quarters, remove the core, and chop it into bite-sized pieces or strips, whichever you prefer.

3. 3

   After the turkey has simmered for 45 minutes, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, butter, seasoned salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes if you're using them. Stir it all together.

4. 4

   Add the chopped cabbage to the pot in batches, stirring it down as it wilts to make room for more. Once all the cabbage is in, add the sugar and apple cider vinegar.

5. 5

   Bring everything back to a simmer, then cover the pot and let it cook on medium-low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes or so, until the cabbage is tender and has soaked up all that good flavor.

6. 6

   Taste and adjust your seasonings if needed. If you want the turkey meat, pull the pieces out, remove the meat from the bones, chop it up, and stir it back into the cabbage before serving.

Pro Tips

• ★Don't skip the sugar and vinegar—they balance out the smokiness and bring out the sweetness in the cabbage.
• ★This dish tastes even better the next day after all the flavors have had time to marry together, so don't be afraid to make it ahead.