Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that challenges everything you thought you knew about collard greens! This Southern-inspired meatless recipe transforms humble greens into a mouth-watering, flavor-packed dish that will make even the most dedicated meat-lovers forget about traditional preparations. Packed with nutrients, bursting with bold Southern flavors, and incredibly easy to prepare, these collard greens are about to become your new favorite side dish that steals the spotlight at any meal.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 large bunch collard greens, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the collard greens under cold running water, removing any dirt or debris. Pat dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
- Remove the tough center stems from the collard greens by folding the leaves in half and cutting along the stem. Chop the leaves into roughly 1-inch wide strips.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the onions. Sauté for an additional 30-45 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Carefully add the chopped collard greens to the pot, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the greens to begin wilting.
- Pour the vegetable broth over the greens, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot.
- Simmer the collard greens for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender and have absorbed the broth's flavors.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed, keeping in mind the vegetable broth may already contain some salt.
- Remove from heat and let the greens rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
Tips
- Always choose fresh, crisp collard greens with deep green leaves and no signs of yellowing or wilting.
- Take extra time to thoroughly wash the greens, as they can harbor dirt and grit between their leaves.
- Removing the tough center stem is crucial for tender, enjoyable greens. Use the folding and cutting method to efficiently remove stems.
- Don't rush the sautéing process - letting onions and garlic develop their flavors slowly creates a more complex taste profile.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control the salt level and allow you to season more precisely.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or smoked paprika to mimic traditional smoky flavors typically achieved with meat.
- Let the greens rest after cooking to allow the flavors to fully develop and integrate.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 48kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
