I thought I had my fill of turnip greens when the season ended last year, but I’m back for more!  They are just so good.  My whole family has become somewhat addicted to a lot of greens, including kale, collard, and turnip greens.  So, I find myself at the farmer’s market every weekend again, stocking up.

As with any favorite food, you’ve got to find new ways to cook and serve them so you don’t get tired of them.  I’ve basically used the same recipe for turnip greens time after time and really need to try something totally different.

I usually cheat and buy already washed and trimmed turnip greens.  Our farmer’s market has bags of prepared greens all ready to go, or you can buy bunches and clean them yourself.  I’m just a bit lazy when it comes to washing greens.  If you’re forced to wash your own, cut off the thick ends, split the ribs right down the middle, chop up the greens into bite size pieces (a scissors works well for that) and dump them into a huge tub of cold water to soak.  You’ll need to change the water two or three times to get rid of the grit.  When I’ve been forced to clean my own greens, I’ve used a big plastic storage bin placed in my bathtub.

The recipe I use is a simple tried and true method.  Just the greens, salt pork if I have it, or bacon or ham will do, water, onion, garlic, a touch of brown sugar, sprinkle of vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste, and just a few crushed red pepper flakes.  Add water and start simmering.  You’ll know when it’s done because the greens will become tender and the flavors will blend nicely.

What I’m wondering is if anyone has developed a good alternative turnip greens recipe that’s as satisfying as the traditional one.  I’ve made creamed spinach in the past and wonder if there is a creamed turnip green dish that works.

I’d love to hear your ideas on the whole turnip green subject!