Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite collard greens recipe! These greens are not just a side dish; they’re a celebration of flavor, tradition, and comfort all wrapped up in one pot. I remember my grandmother cooking collard greens on chilly Sunday afternoons, filling the house with that warm, earthy aroma that just made you feel right at home. This recipe is super simple, yet it highlights the natural flavors of the greens beautifully. The vegetable broth gives them a rich depth, while the splash of apple cider vinegar adds just the right amount of tang. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find yourself craving collard greens more often than you think!
Ingredients for Collard Greens Recipe
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 lbs collard greens (washed and tough stems removed)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
How to Prepare Collard Greens Recipe
Preparing collard greens might sound intimidating, but I promise it’s easier than you think! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious, comforting dish in no time. Let’s dive into it!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, wash those collard greens thoroughly. You want to remove any grit or dirt, so give them a good rinse under cold water. Once they’re clean, carefully remove the tough stems. You can do this by folding the leaf in half and slicing along the stem.
- Next, chop the greens into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook evenly and make them easier to eat. Don’t stress about making them perfect; just get them into manageable sizes!
- Now, let’s heat some olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. I love using a big pot for this because it gives the greens room to cook without overcrowding.
- Once the oil is hot, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until they’re nice and translucent. The smell is going to be amazing, trust me!
- Now it’s time to add the collard greens to the pot. Stir them well so they’re coated in that lovely onion and garlic mixture.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring everything to a boil. This is where the magic happens, and those greens start to soften up.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and the greens to become tender. You might want to give them a stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- After 30 minutes, stir in the salt, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar. This little splash of vinegar adds a beautiful brightness to the dish!
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes, and then they’re ready to serve. Enjoy your delicious collard greens alongside some cornbread for a true Southern experience!
Why You’ll Love This Collard Greens Recipe
- Simple and quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich, savory flavor that truly highlights the natural taste of collard greens.
- Healthy and nutritious, packed with vitamins and fiber—great for a balanced diet!
- Versatile as a side dish, complementing a variety of main courses.
- Perfect for meal prep; leftovers store well and taste even better the next day!
- Embraces Southern tradition while being easy enough for beginner cooks.
- Can be easily customized with additional spices or ingredients to suit your taste.
Tips for Success with Collard Greens Recipe
Alright, let’s make sure your collard greens turn out absolutely fantastic! Here are some of my top tips that I’ve picked up over the years:
- Don’t Skip the Washing! Make sure you wash those greens thoroughly. Dirt can hide between the leaves, and no one wants a gritty bite. Rinse them under cold water and give them a good shake to remove excess water.
- Adjust the Seasoning: The beauty of this collard greens recipe is that you can tweak it to your preference. If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust the salt and vinegar to suit your taste buds!
- Give Them Time: Patience is key! Allowing the greens to simmer for the full 30 minutes helps them become tender and lets those flavors blend beautifully. If you can, let them sit a little longer off the heat after cooking; they’ll continue to soak up all that deliciousness.
- Use Quality Broth: Since the vegetable broth is a key player in this dish, opt for a high-quality broth or even homemade if you can. It makes a world of difference in flavor!
- Try Different Vinegars: If you want to switch things up, feel free to experiment with different types of vinegar—like red wine vinegar or even balsamic—for a unique twist!
- Pair with Cornbread: For a complete Southern experience, serve your collard greens with cornbread. The sweetness of the cornbread balances the savory greens perfectly!
- Leftover Magic: Don’t forget, these greens taste even better the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and enjoy them as a side or toss them into soups and stews for an extra boost of flavor!
Nutritional Information for Collard Greens Recipe
When it comes to collard greens, not only are they delicious, but they’re also packed with nutrients! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving (about 1 cup) of this collard greens recipe:
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Remember, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so feel free to refer to the recipe for more accurate estimates based on your choices. Enjoy the health benefits of collard greens while savoring their fantastic flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions about Collard Greens Recipe
Can I use other greens instead of collard greens?
Absolutely! While collard greens have their own unique flavor and texture, you can definitely swap them out for other hearty greens like kale, mustard greens, or Swiss chard. Just keep in mind that the cooking time might vary a bit, especially with tender greens like spinach, which cooks much faster. So, adjust your simmering time accordingly, and you’ll still have a delicious dish!
What can I serve with collard greens?
Oh, the options are endless! Collard greens pair beautifully with a variety of dishes. Some of my favorites are cornbread, of course, for that perfect Southern touch. You can also serve them alongside fried chicken, smoked meats, or even a hearty vegetable stew for a fulfilling meal. And don’t forget about some creamy mashed potatoes or a nice slice of ham—those flavors all dance together so well!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just let the collard greens cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, you can warm them up on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep them from drying out. You could also pop them in the microwave for a quick reheat. Just be careful not to overcook them again; you want them to stay tender and tasty!
Variations on Collard Greens Recipe
If you want to switch things up a bit, there are so many delicious ways to customize this collard greens recipe! Here are some of my favorite variations that add new flavors and excitement to this classic dish:
- Smoky Flavor: For a deeper taste, add a few slices of smoked turkey or a ham hock while cooking. The smoky flavor infuses into the greens and takes them to a whole new level!
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the onion and garlic. It adds a nice zing that really wakes up the dish!
- Sweet and Tangy: Try adding a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey along with the apple cider vinegar. This brings out a lovely sweet-tangy balance that complements the earthiness of the collards.
- Garlic Lovers Unite: For an extra garlicky punch, toss in more minced garlic—up to 5 cloves if you dare! Garlic lovers will absolutely rejoice with this version!
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like thyme or bay leaves add wonderful aroma and flavor. Toss in a few sprigs during the simmering process and remove them before serving for that herbaceous touch.
- Asian Twist: Substitute the vegetable broth with chicken broth and mix in some soy sauce or sesame oil for an East Asian flair. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving for some crunch!
- Nutty Goodness: Top your collard greens with toasted nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender greens.
Feel free to experiment with these variations or mix and match them! The beauty of collard greens is that they’re so versatile, and you can easily make them your own. Enjoy the journey of flavor exploration!
Share Your Thoughts!
I’d love to hear how your collard greens turn out! Did you try any of the variations? Maybe you have your own twist on this classic recipe that you’d like to share? Cooking is all about experimenting and finding what you love. So, drop a comment below and let me know your experiences, tips, or any questions you might have. Let’s keep the conversation going, and who knows, you might inspire someone else with your delicious ideas!
Print
Irresistible Collard Greens Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious collard greens recipe that highlights the natural flavors of the greens.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs collard greens
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Wash the collard greens and remove the tough stems.
- Chop the greens into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Add collard greens to the pot and stir well.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Stir in salt, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve with cornbread for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: collard greens recipe, southern collard greens, healthy greens dish
