Bitter Lemon Honey Sweet Simmered Greens
Brighten up your table with Bitter Lemon Honey Sweet Simmered Greens—a delightful balance of zesty, sweet, and savory flavors that transforms classic kale or collard greens into a show-stopping side dish or light main course. This recipe pairs the earthy richness of the greens with the tangy brightness of fresh lemon juice and zest, complemented by a drizzle of honey for natural sweetness. A hint of crushed red pepper flakes adds a gentle kick, while simmering in savory vegetable broth ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Ready in just 30 minutes, these flavorful greens are perfect served alongside roasted meats or over a bed of rice or quinoa for a nourishing plant-based meal. Bring a touch of comfort and elegance to your weeknight dinners with this versatile, nutrient-packed dish!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound kale or collard greens
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 0.25 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
Wash the greens thoroughly under cold water. Remove any tough stems and chop the leaves into manageable pieces, roughly 2-inch strips.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
Add the chopped greens to the skillet in batches, stirring to wilt them slightly before adding more.
Once all the greens are in the skillet, pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the lemon juice, honey, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the greens to simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and infused with the flavors.
Remove the lid and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes to let some of the liquid reduce, creating a slightly glossy sauce.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with lemon zest before serving. Adjust seasoning to taste if needed.
Serve hot as a side dish or over rice, quinoa, or crusty bread for a hearty main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
303 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 4.1 g | 5% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.7 g | 3% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1352 mg | 59% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 61.4 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.3 g | 33% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.6 g | ||
| Protein | 20.4 g | 41% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 702 mg | 54% | |
| Iron | 7.9 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 2081 mg | 44% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
