Southern Collards With Cornmeal Dumplings

This classic Southern recipe combines tender collard greens and flavorful cornmeal dumplings, making it a hearty and comforting dish. Perfect for any gathering or a satisfying family meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 10

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Ingredients

For the Collards:

• 1 to 1 1/2 pounds smoked turkey wings or necks
• 2 quarts chicken broth or water
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Paula Deen’s Hot Sauce, more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Paula Deen’s House Seasoning
• 1 pound collard greens, center ribs removed, leaves cut into 1/2-inch strips
• 4 tablespoons butter

For the Cornmeal Dumplings:

• 1 1/2 cups cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 small onion, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup reserved collard cooking liquid

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Instructions

For the Collards:

1. In a large pot, combine the smoked turkey wings, chicken broth, hot sauce, and House Seasoning. Simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Add the collard greens to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 20 minutes.
3. Stir in the butter for added richness.
4. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, remove the turkey wings and discard.
5. Transfer the cooked collards to individual serving bowls. Cover with foil to keep warm. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid for the dumplings and leave the rest in the pot.

For the Dumplings:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, minced onion, salt, and black pepper.
2. Gradually stir in the reserved 1/2 cup of collard liquid until the mixture forms a thick batter.
3. Bring the collard broth back to a boil. Drop the dumpling batter into the broth 1 teaspoon at a time. Avoid overcrowding.
4. Simmer the dumplings for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked. To prevent tearing, gently shake the pot back and forth instead of stirring.

To Serve:

1. Transfer the cooked dumplings to the bowls of collards.
2. Ladle some of the flavorful broth over the collards and dumplings.
3. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting taste of the South!

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Cook’s Notes:

• For extra flavor, adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your taste.
• Ensure the dumpling batter is thick enough to hold its shape when dropped into the broth.
• Gently shake the pot rather than stirring to maintain the dumplings’ structure.

This dish is a true Southern classic, blending the savory, smoky taste of collard greens with the comforting texture of cornmeal dumplings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite!