Smoky Vegan Collard Greens
Do you ever walk past collard greens at the store and wonder what to do with them? This simple recipe takes the guesswork out and turns them into a tender, flavorful side you’ll actually crave.
This plant-based take on Southern-style collard greens delivers rich, smoky flavor with a savory depth that rivals the traditional version made with ham hocks. Beyond their comforting taste, collard greens are incredibly nourishing. Just one cup of cooked greens offers about 248 mg of plant-based calcium, making them a wonderful choice for supporting bone health. Slowly simmered until tender, they’re infused with onion, garlic, smoked paprika, and a subtle touch of heat—creating a flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with just about any meal
Ingredients
- 1 large bunch collard greens, chopped (1/2 pound after trimming away stems)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Hot sauce if desired
Directions
- Heat oil in a large pan on medium heat.
- Sauté onions for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add broth, salt, smoked paprika and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
- Add collard greens and mix thoroughly with other ingredients in the pan.
- Cover and keep at a low simmer. After 30 minutes, stir the greens.
- Add apple cider vinegar and add more broth if necessary to keep contents at a simmer.
- Replace the lid and continue simmering for another 25 minutes.
- Add more salt and hot sauce if desired.
