Oh my goodness, let me tell you about collard greens! These leafy greens are not just a Southern staple; they’re packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K. Seriously, they’re a powerhouse of health benefits! Now, this collard greens recipe is as simple as it gets—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. I remember my grandmother making a big pot of collard greens on Sundays, filling the house with that delicious, comforting aroma. It was a family affair; we’d all gather around the table, ready to enjoy those tender greens alongside cornbread and a big ol’ pot of beans. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll see why collard greens hold a special place in my heart and on the dinner table!
Ingredients List
- 1 bunch collard greens (washed, stems removed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
How to Prepare Collard Greens Recipe
- First things first, wash those collard greens thoroughly under cold running water. You want to make sure there’s no grit left—trust me, no one likes sandy greens! Once they’re clean, remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- Now, grab a large pot and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. I love the sound of that sizzle! Add the chopped onion and sauté it until it’s nice and translucent—about 5 minutes should do the trick. This is where the magic begins!
- Next, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for just another minute. Oh wow, the aroma is heavenly! Be careful not to burn the garlic; it can turn bitter if overcooked.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. This broth is going to infuse so much flavor into your collard greens!
- Once boiling, add the chopped collard greens, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let those greens cook down for about 30 minutes. This is the secret to getting them tender and delicious!
- Finally, right before serving, stir in the apple cider vinegar. It adds a lovely tang that brightens up the dish. And voila, your collard greens are ready to enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of these delicious collard greens. Keep in mind, these values can vary based on specific ingredients or brands you use, but this will give you a good idea:
- Calories: 70
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
As you can see, these greens are not only tasty but also pack a nutritious punch! Perfect for anyone looking to add some healthy greens to their meals without sacrificing flavor. Enjoy your guilt-free indulgence!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Healthy and nutritious, packed with vitamins and minerals.
- Flavorful with Southern roots, bringing that comforting taste to your table.
- Vegan-friendly option that everyone can enjoy, no matter their dietary preferences.
Tips for Success
Now, let me share some of my best tips for making sure your collard greens turn out absolutely perfect every time. First off, don’t skip that washing step! Make sure those greens are thoroughly cleaned; a little grit can ruin the whole dish. I always give them a good rinse and then soak them in cold water for a few minutes just to be safe.
Next, when it comes to seasoning, don’t be shy! Taste as you go, and feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. You might find that your taste buds crave a little more flavor, and that’s totally okay! Also, remember that the longer you simmer, the more the flavors meld together, so don’t rush this step. Let those greens simmer gently for the full 30 minutes to achieve that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Lastly, I love adding a splash of the apple cider vinegar just before serving. It really brightens up the dish and balances out the richness. Trust me, it’s the little things that make a big difference! Happy cooking, and enjoy those delicious collard greens!
Variations
Oh, the fun doesn’t stop with just one way to prepare collard greens! There are so many delicious variations you can try to switch things up and keep your taste buds dancing. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Smoky Flavor: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a few dashes of liquid smoke to give your collard greens that delightful smoky flavor. It’s like a little taste of the South right in your kitchen!
- Broth Choices: While vegetable broth is fantastic, you can also use chicken broth for a richer taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a miso broth for a unique umami twist.
- Other Greens: Don’t stop at collard greens! Mix in some kale or Swiss chard for a vibrant, multi-green dish. They cook down nicely and add an extra layer of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while sautéing the onions. It’s a great way to add some zing!
- Nutty Goodness: For a crunchy texture, sprinkle some toasted nuts like almonds or pecans on top just before serving. They add a wonderful contrast to the tender greens.
Feel free to get creative! Cooking is all about experimenting, and I love seeing how a simple recipe can transform with just a few tweaks. Enjoy making these collard greens your own!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your delicious collard greens ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside them for a well-rounded meal! Trust me, pairing these greens with the right sides can elevate your dining experience to a whole new level.
First up, you absolutely can’t go wrong with cornbread. The sweet, buttery flavor and crumbly texture of cornbread is the perfect complement to the savory, tender greens. It’s like a match made in Southern heaven!
If you’re looking for something heartier, consider rice—whether it’s fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even some flavorful jasmine rice. The rice will soak up all that delicious broth from the greens, creating a comforting and filling dish.
For those who want a little protein with their meal, grilled chicken, pork chops, or even some blackened fish work wonderfully. The smoky char from the grill pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the collard greens.
And don’t forget about beans—they’re another classic Southern side! Whether you choose black-eyed peas or pinto beans, they add a nice creaminess that complements the greens perfectly.
Finally, a simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance out the meal and add a refreshing crunch. Think of a classic coleslaw or a bright citrus salad to bring some zing to your plate!
Whatever you choose, I promise these collard greens will shine as the star of your meal. Enjoy the blend of flavors, and happy eating!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, so you’ve made this delicious collard greens dish and now you’re wondering how to store those leftovers, right? No worries, I’ve got you covered! To keep your collard greens tasting fresh, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. This helps prevent any moisture buildup that could make them soggy. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, which makes them perfect for meal prep!
Now, when it comes to reheating, I recommend doing it gently to maintain that wonderful flavor and texture. You can simply warm them on the stovetop over low heat. Just add a splash of vegetable broth or a little water to help them steam back to life and stir occasionally. This way, they won’t dry out, and you’ll get to enjoy them just as much as when they were first made!
If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just pop them in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it (don’t want them splattering in there!), and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warmed through. But honestly, reheating on the stovetop is my favorite method because it really brings back that fresh flavor. Enjoy your greens, and happy munching!
Print
Collard Greens Recipe: 5 Simple Steps to Comforting Flavor
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A delicious and nutritious collard greens dish that is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch collard greens
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Wash the collard greens thoroughly and remove the stems.
- Chop the greens into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Add the collard greens, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Stir in the apple cider vinegar before serving.
Notes
- Serve with cornbread for a complete meal.
- Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: collard greens recipe, healthy greens, southern cooking
