Tender vegan braised collard greens cooked with aromatic spices, offering a nutritious and flavorful twist on a classic Southern dish.
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Braised vegancollard greens recipe, a quick and healthy way to get a soul food staple on the weeknight menu!
It's only 5 ingredients and made with ingredients you're likely to have on hand.
Despite not taking the traditional long, slow simmer these greens still deliver on flavor. It's just a different flavor, still highly flavorful but different.
I got a million and 1 collard greens recipes vegan and none or pressure cooked and stovetop. The goal is to get people to eat more collard greens.
How Are These Greens Different From Traditional Collard Greens Recipes
Traditional collards are slow cooked or stewed in a large dutch oven pot seasoned with pot liquor broth that includes a combination of chicken stock, smoked meat (salt pork, smoked turkey legs or smoked ham hocks, apple cider vinegar and spices. This is a quick cook vegan version featuring greens cut into thin strips , served meatless, and seasoned with balsamic vinegar, smoked dried chilis, and spices.
beats and eats (music to pair with braised greens)
Collard greens are a lovelite in our house. We like to eat greens as often as possible. However, traditional methods of cooking collards require a lot of time, and we don't have that luxury during the week with school, sports, clubs, etc. This idea of a modern family puts more emphasis on convenience which eliminates many of the old ways of cooking.
The most underrated casualty is the lost cultural connection to cooking for many families, especially African American ones. Newer generations don't have the time nor skill to make many of the time consuming traditional given lifestyle changes and their impact on culinary needs.
Vegan collard greens recipe ingredients
- Collard Greens
- Garlic Cloves
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Olive Oil
- Dried Smoked Chilis (chipotle or morita) - this is the key ingredient in replicating the smoky flavor of ham hock present in traditional Southern style greens.
- Coarse Kosher Salt and Pepper
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- Smoked paprika (optional)
I developed this recipe because I wanted a weekday greens option that was vegan friendly, yet still had that smokiness common to the smoked meat used in traditional soul food recipes like these Southern-style collard greens with smoked turkey. Basically, we love greens and needed a way to get our fix on daily. This vegan greens recipe is it and then some!
The dried chilis replicate the smokiness you normally get from meaty ham hocks. You can find them in the Hispanic section in most grocery stores and/or any Latina market.
How to make vegan collard greens
Step 1: Infuse the olive oil
Step 2: Caramelize the onions
Step 3: Add balsamic vinegar
Step 4: Add the greens
Step 5: Saute the greens
Serving Suggestions
We serve these greens family buffet style along with a few other big servings of vegan sides like:
Vegan Collard Greens Cooking Tips
- Infuse the oil ahead of time for more intense but balanced flavor
- Slice the greens into thin strips for faster, more even cooking
- Use a quality balsamic vinegar. Don't break the bank, but don't buy the diluted dollar version either.
Substitutions and variations for Vegan collards
- Greens: Substitute turnip greens, kale, or Swiss chard for collard greens.
- Spices: Experiment with different spice blends like Cajun seasoning or curry powder.
- Acid: Add a splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice for tanginess.
- Sweetness: Balance the flavors with a touch of maple syrup or agave nectar.
MORE COLLARD GREEN RECIPES
Instant Pot Greens with Brisket
Blackeyed Peas and Collards Curry
make this recipe
These vegan braised collard greens are a testament to the versatility and depth of plant-based cooking. By infusing them with the smoky heat of dried chilis and the tangy sweetness of balsamic vinegar, we elevate a humble ingredient into a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Whether enjoyed as a side or a main course, these collard greens offer a delicious way to incorporate more greens into your diet while tantalizing your taste buds with each bite.
If you make this easy vegan collard greens recipe or any other recipe please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.
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Ingredients
- 3 bunches collard greens
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons garlic minced
- 3 small dried smoked chiles chipotle or morita
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Coarse salt and ground black pepper
Instructions
- Trim stems of collard greens, keeping leaves whole. If necessary, trim the large vein of the stem (in center of leaf) so that it is flat with the leaf. Rinse leaves under cold water and then stack, still wet, starting with larger leaves on the bottom. Tightly roll stacks of leaves lengthwise, like a cigar. Slice crosswise as thinly as possible.
- Heat dried peppers in skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes than add oil and red onions to saute for 3 minutes. Add garlic and stir until garlic is golden brown, 2-3 minutes. Add collard greens, saute with tongs so garlic and onions get tossed in with greens, until they start to wilt, about 1 minute. Add vinegar , salt, and pepper and continue sauteing until greens have all wilted and begin releasing their moisture, 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer collards to a serving bowl. Season with more salt and pepper to taste and serve.
Notes
- Infuse the oil ahead of time for more intense but balance flavor
- Slice the greens into thin strips for faster, more even cooking
- Use a quality balsamic vinegar. Don't break the bank, but don't buy the diluted dollar version either.
Nutrition