Vegan Collard Greens
Savor the heartiness of soul food made plant-based with this Vegan Collard Greens recipe, a flavorful and nourishing side dish that’s bursting with smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet notes. Featuring tender collard greens simmered in a savory broth infused with smoked paprika, liquid smoke, and a touch of maple syrup, this dish achieves incredible depth of flavor without the use of meat. A splash of apple cider vinegar adds a zesty brightness, perfectly balancing the earthy greens. Ready in just under an hour, this recipe is both comforting and wholesome, ideal for serving alongside your favorite main dish or over rice for a complete, satisfying vegan meal. Perfect for holidays, weeknight dinners, or any time you’re craving rich Southern-inspired flavors!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 bunches collard greens
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 4 garlic cloves
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Start by prepping the collard greens: Cut off the thick stems at the bottom and discard them. Stack a few leaves at a time, roll them up tightly, and slice thinly into ribbons. Wash the sliced greens thoroughly in cold water to remove any grit and set them aside to drain.
Peel and finely chop the yellow onion. Mince the garlic cloves.
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another 1–2 minutes, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
Pour in the vegetable broth, then stir in the smoked paprika, apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke, maple syrup, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the prepared collard greens to the pot, a handful at a time, stirring after each addition to help them wilt and fit into the pot.
Once all the greens are added, cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 35–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the collard greens are tender.
Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve the collard greens warm, with some of the savory broth, as a side dish or over rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
978 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 41.8 g | 54% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.4 g | 32% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4730 mg | 206% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 129.6 g | 47% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 44.3 g | 158% | |
| Total Sugars | 35.0 g | ||
| Protein | 39.4 g | 79% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1252 mg | 96% | |
| Iron | 14.0 mg | 78% | |
| Potassium | 2813 mg | 60% | |
*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.
