This Turnip green soup recipe will soon take the front stage if you enjoy Southern comfort cuisine.
Rich broth, tender turnip greens, creamy white beans, and savory smoked sausage help to create a hearty, smoky, and flavorful dish.
This soup is a real Southern classic, warm, cozy, and the sort of meal that makes you want to pull up a chair, grab a piece of cornbread, and dive in. One thing is certain: whether you are meal-prepping for the week or a laid-back dinner, you will return for seconds.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Will Make You Loveable
✔ Packed with Flavor: A strong, rich taste results from the smoky sausage, paprika, and tart apple cider vinegar.
✔ One-Pot Wonder: Everything comes together in one pot, simplifying cleanup.
✔ Nutritious & Hearty : Leafy greens, protein-rich beans, and savory sausage make this a satisfying, well-balanced meal.
✔ Customizable: Change the sausage, use another green, or modify the spice level to fit your taste.
✔ Perfectly pairs with cornbread since Southern soup plus cornbread equals excellence.
Ingredients
You will need these to create this Southern soup with great taste:
- Olive oil (one tablespoon) is the base; sautéing the aromatics calls for this.
- One little diced onion gives depth and sweetness.
- Two minced cloves of garlic will improve everything.
For the hearty fillings:
- One pound of sliced smoked sausage adds a rich, smoky taste; turkey sausage is a leaner choice.
- The soup’s foundation is chicken broth, four cups.
- One can of fifteen ounces of undrained diced tomatoes brings balance and acidity.
- One can of white beans, fifteen ounces, drained and rinsed; great northern or cannellini beans work best here.
The Greens & Veggies:
- Fresh Turnip Greens (4 cups, diced) – Alternatively, use frozen, thawed for convenience.
- Turnip (1 medium, peeled and chopped) lends a little earthy sweet taste and weight.
Seasonings:
- One tsp of smoked paprika improves the smokey depth in seasonings.
- Essential for taste balance, black pepper (½ tsp) and salt (½ tsp, vary to suit).
- For a little spiciness, ¼ tsp, optional cayenne pepper.
- One tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar brightens and accentuates the flavors.
👉 The complete ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below!
How to Create Original Sinigang?
First, get the Beef ready.
Bring six cups of water to a boil in a big pot at medium-high heat.
Add the Beef chunks; cook for five minutes. To eliminate contaminants, drain and clean the meat; this keeps the soup clear!
Six cups of fresh water will help you to refill the pot. Could you bring it back to boil?
Second: Cook the base slowly.
Toss the onion, tomatoes, and meat in boiling water. Cover and boil until the meat is delicious and tender 30 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Seasonings & Tamarind Flavor
Add to the tamarind soup base fish sauce, salt, and black pepper. To spread the taste, mix well.
Step 4: Stage Vegetable Addition
Add eggplant, green beans, and daikon radish. To meld the flavors, let simmer for five minutes.
If using, cook for another three minutes after stirring in the okra and green chili peppers.
Step 5: Finish with Leafy Greens.
Add the bok choy or water spinach, swirling gently. Cook for one minute; then turn off the heat.
Step 6: Correct and Present.
Taste the soup and change the seasonings; add more tamarind mix or fish sauce if necessary.
Present hot, with side cornmeal or crusty toast.
If you enjoy nutrient-packed soups, you might also like this Healing Kale Soup for a fresh, vibrant alternative.
Expert Advice for the Perfect Turnip Green Soup
✔ Use Fresh Turnip Greens if Possible; frozen works too, but their texture and taste are the best.
✔ Let It Simmer: Its taste increases with increasing length of time!
✔ Make It Your Own – Replace the sausage with ham, bacon, or shredded chicken.
✔ Want It Thighter? Mash some of the beans for a creamier consistency.
✔ Add Extra Greens: Great too are collard greens, kale, or mustard greens!
Turnip Green Soup Serving and Pairing Guide
On its own, this soup is excellent, but it tastes even better when presented with the following:
- Nothing compares to sinking a warm, buttery cornbread into this soup. Perfect for soaking up the broth is a large slice of toasted sourdough.
- A bit of Louisiana-style spicy sauce gives a great kick.
- A Glass of Red Wine: A strong Zinfandel or Syrah accentuates the smoked sausage.
- Bonus: Are leftovers? For a different take, serve it over mashed potatoes or rice.
Make Ahead and Organization and Storage
Leftover Storage
Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to four days.
Freezing
Let the soup cool fully, then freeze it in portion-sized containers for up to three months.
Reheat
Reheat the stovetop to medium-low, stirring occasionally.
Heat in 30-second intervals, rotating between each in a microwave.
Frequencies of Questions
Can I prepare this in a slow cooker?
Exactly! First, brown the sausage, onions, and garlic; then, move everything to a slow cooker and cook low for six to eight hours or high for three to four hours.
Which other beans are available?
Well-suited are black-eyed peas, butter beans, or even kidney beans.
Is this soup hot?
Not really, although you can add extra cayenne or hot sauce if you want spice.
What would be a suitable replacement for smoked sausage?
Use andouille, kielbasa, or even leftover ham for that smoky taste.
Conclusion
Perfect comfort food for cool evenings, Sunday dinners, or any time you need a large bowl of rich goodness this Southern Turnip Green Soup is warm, smokey, and flavorful.
Prepare a pot, grab some cornbread, and savor every morsel!
Enjoy and happy cooking! 😊
Turnip Green Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 14 oz smoked sausage, sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 15 oz can white beans (like Great Northern or Cannellini), drained and rinsed
- 4 cups fresh turnip greens chopped (or 1 bunch)
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for heat
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar for a slight tang
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté until translucent (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Sausage:
- Add sliced smoked sausage to the pot and cook until slightly browned (about 5 minutes).
- Simmer the Soup:
- Pour in chicken broth and add diced tomatoes (with juice).
- Stir in the drained beans, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika.
- Add Turnip Greens:
- Add chopped turnip greens and stir well.
- Cover and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, until the greens are tender.
- Final Touches:
- Stir in apple cider vinegar for a slight tangy flavor.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
- Enjoy with cornbread or crusty bread on the side!
Notes
- Protein Options: Instead of smoked sausage, you can use ham, bacon, or shredded chicken.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.