Collard Greens Surprise
Discover the vibrant flavors of "Collard Greens Surprise"—a Southern-inspired dish that’s anything but ordinary. This hearty recipe transforms tender collard greens into a savory masterpiece, sautéed with rich olive oil, sweet yellow onions, and aromatic garlic. A splash of apple cider vinegar and a kick of smoked paprika and red pepper flakes infuse the greens with bold, tangy depth, while a simmer in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes ensures melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Topped with the smoky crunch of bacon or a vegan alternative, this dish strikes the perfect balance between comforting and wholesome. Whether served as a flavorful side or paired with cornbread and rice for a satisfying main, this recipe will surprise and delight your taste buds with every bite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 bunches collard greens
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 3 large garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 0.5 cup cooked and crumbled bacon or smoked vegan bacon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the collard greens thoroughly to remove any grit. Remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into 1-inch wide strips.
Peel and finely dice the yellow onion. Mince the garlic cloves.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Stir in the apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to coat the onions and garlic in the spices.
Add the collard greens to the pot in batches, allowing each batch to wilt slightly before adding more. Stir frequently.
Once all the greens are in the pot, pour in the vegetable broth and add the diced tomatoes with their juices.
Stir the mixture well and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender.
Mix in the cooked and crumbled bacon or smoked vegan bacon, if using. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
Serve warm as a side dish or a comforting main, accompanied by cornbread or rice, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1435 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 85.2 g | 109% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.8 g | 114% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 85 mg | 28% | |
| Sodium | 6643 mg | 289% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 106.0 g | 39% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 48.0 g | 171% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.0 g | ||
| Protein | 79.6 g | 159% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1345 mg | 103% | |
| Iron | 15.7 mg | 87% | |
| Potassium | 3313 mg | 70% | |
*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.
