Vegetarian Collard Greens
A hearty vegetarian dish featuring tender collard greens cooked with aromatic garlic and onions, perfect for those seeking a nutritious, flavorful side or main.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and chop the greens and onions.
- Heat a cup of water and a generous amount of garlic olive oil in a large pot.
- Add chopped garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add the chopped greens and onions to the pot.
- Steam and cook the greens and onions, adding water as it steams out.
- Simmer for about 1 hour until the greens are moist and tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For best flavor, use fresh collard greens and ensure they are properly washed to remove any grit. If you don't have garlic olive oil, you can substitute with regular olive oil and add minced garlic separately. For a heartier dish, consider adding cooked beans or lentils. To enhance the flavor, you could include a splash of vinegar or a dash of hot sauce before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These vegetarian collard greens make a fantastic side dish for various meals. They pair beautifully with cornbread or alongside a hearty main like grilled tofu or vegetable stew. For a complete meal, serve them with a side of cooked grains like quinoa or brown rice, or alongside dishes like Irish Lettuce Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetarian Collard Greens contains roughly 73 calories, with 1g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 584mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen collard greens for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen collard greens as a convenient substitute. Just thaw them first and squeeze out excess moisture before adding them to the pot. Cooking time may be reduced, so keep an eye on the greens as they simmer.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat to your collard greens, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when cooking the garlic. You can also serve with a hot sauce on the side for those who prefer an extra kick.
What can I serve with collard greens?
Collard greens are versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes. They pair well with southern-style dishes like cornbread, or you can serve them alongside proteins such as grilled chicken or roasted vegetables. They also complement lighter fare, such as salads or vegan recipes, beautifully.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).