How To Make Vegan Southern Style Collard Greens

Checkout this dope collard greens dish that harmonizes flavors and melodies with our Smoky Southern Style Vegan Collard Greens recipe, perfectly paired with Spandau Ballet's iconic song "True."

Dive into a world of soulful greens infused with smoky goodness, reminiscent of Southern comfort and heartwarming melodies. This recipe brings together vibrant collard greens, aromatic spices, and savory vegan ingredients, creating a taste that will leave you singing with delight.

Related Collard Greens Recipes:

• Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey
• Instant Pot Collard Greens with Smoked Brisket
• Brazilian Style Collard Greens

Finally a vegan collard greens recipe that rivals the taste of traditional Southern-style collard greens.

These greens have that same meaty-like flavor and smokiness thanks to a complex, tasty homemade vegetable stock in which the greens are slowly simmered in with a few ingredients.

Whether you're vegan or not this recipe gets it done and will meet any collard greens needs you may have. Once you get past the vegetable stock, the ingredient list is uncomplicated and short.

What Makes These Greens Different and Better Than Others

One of the best things about traditional Southern collard greens is that deep smoky flavor you get from ingredients like smoked turkey legs or pork ham hocks. To replicate all that goodness this recipe utilizes quality smoked paprika, smoked sea salt, and liquid smoke.

Each ingredient brings a unique smoke flavor and combined you get this really interesting complex smokiness. I also add homemade Haitian epis seasoning base which adds some bright flavor complexity to the potlikker.

beats and eats (vegan collard greens music pairing)

There are hundreds of vegan collard greens recipes out there and they all boast of great flavor or great alternatives to traditional Southern-style collard greens. Now I can't speak for all of them, because admittedly I've only tried about 10 of 'em, but somebody is lying.

Most recipes are bland, completely absent of any soul. My version of vegan collard greens is different. It has character, depth, complexity, and most importantly it's true to the familiar comforting aspects of Southern collard greens. Given these characteristics, Spandau Ballet's "True" seemed highly appropriate.

True" is a song that exudes a sense of warmth, nostalgia, and authenticity, much like the comforting and familiar flavors of Southern-style collard greens. The smooth and soulful melody of "True" complements the hearty and rich nature of the collard greens, creating a harmonious balance of emotions and tastes.

Both the song and the dish evoke a feeling of homecoming, a connection to roots and traditions, making them a perfect match for a soul-stirring experience that resonates on both musical and culinary levels.

ingredients needed to make vegan collard greens

• Collard Greens - I prefer fresh collard greens over bagged or canned though bagged is great for the convenience. If you just want a meatless recipe version but not concerned with being fully vegan you can use a chicken broth
• Homemade Vegan Broth or use your favorite store brand (low sodium version) vegetable broth.
• Onions
• Cider Vinegar - the acidity of apple cider vinegar helps balance the flavors of the collard greens, cutting through any richness and adding a refreshing tanginess to the dish. Apple cider vinegar contributes a bright and lively flavor to the collard greens, making them more vibrant and appealing to the palate.
• Maple Syrup - provides a natural sweetness that balances the slight bitterness of collard greens, creating a harmonious and well-rounded flavor. It adds a subtle hint of sweetness without overwhelming the savory elements of the dish. The flavor of maple syrup goes beyond just sweetness; it also contributes complex caramelized notes and a rich depth of flavor to the collard greens.
• Red Pepper Flakes
• Black Pepper
• Smoked Paprika - contributes a smoky flavor to the collard greens, reminiscent of traditional Southern cooking methods like smoking or grilling. This smokiness adds depth and complexity to the dish, creating a rich and satisfying taste experience.
• Smoked Sea Salt - Just like smoked paprika, smoked sea salt contributes a deep smoky flavor to the collard greens. It also naturally enhances the saltiness of the collard greens, ensuring a well-seasoned and flavorful dish without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Liquid Smoke - infuses the collard greens with a deep and robust smoky flavor, reminiscent of cooking over an open flame or in a smoker. With liquid smoke, you have control over the intensity of the smoky flavor in your collard greens. You can adjust the amount of liquid smoke used to suit your taste preferences, whether you prefer a subtle hint of smoke or a more pronounced smokiness.
• Olive Oil
• Haitian Epis Seasoning (optional) - typically includes ingredients like garlic, onion, bell peppers, parsley, thyme, and scallions, among others. This combination creates a complex and well-rounded flavor profile that enhances the overall taste of the collard greens.

how to make vegan collard greens (step by step instructions)

The key to these greens is making a delicious homemade vegetable broth. Follow the detailed recipe provided to achieve greatness!

step 1: make the stock

Follow the ingredient list and detailed recipe for Homemade Vegetable Stock if using. Otherwise skip to step 3.

step 2: make spice mix

Combine the kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika together in a small mixing bowl or ramekin.

step 3: saute vegetables

Pre-heat a large part or dutch oven on medium heat. Add some olive oil then saute the onions for 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and saute another 30 seconds. Season as you go with half the seasoning mix.

Add the homemade broth to the pot and mix well. Allow the broth mixture to cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the liquid smoke, half the smoked sea salt, and Epis if using and stir to combine.

Add the chopped collard greens to the pot. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer, cover and cook for an hour. Add the remainder of the sea salt and spice seasoning mix after the greens have cooked for 15-20 minutes.

During the last 15 minutes of cooking add the vinegar, maple syrup, and red pepper flakes. Mix well. Taste and adjust flavor as needed. Serve and enjoy.

What To Serve With Vegan Southern Style Collard Greens

When serving vegan Southern-style collard greens, you can pair them with a variety of dishes to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Cornbread: A classic Southern accompaniment, cornbread complements the savory flavors of collard greens and adds a delightful texture contrast.
2. Black-Eyed Peas: Another Southern staple, black-eyed peas provide protein and texture to the meal, making them a great side dish or addition to the greens.
3. Sweet Potatoes: Roasted or mashed sweet potatoes offer sweetness and depth to the meal, balancing the savory notes of the collard greens.
4. Rice or Grits: Serve the collard greens over cooked rice or creamy grits for a hearty and comforting base that soaks up the flavorful sauce.
5. Fried Green Tomatoes: For a Southern-inspired twist, serve crispy fried green tomatoes alongside the collard greens for a burst of tangy flavor.
6. Vegan Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy vegan mac and cheese pairs well with collard greens, adding a cheesy and indulgent element to the meal.
7. Barbecue Tofu or Tempeh: Grilled or baked barbecue-flavored tofu or tempeh provides protein and a smoky flavor that complements the collard greens.
8. Pickled Onions or Chow-Chow: Tangy pickled onions or chow-chow (a Southern relish) can be served on the side to add brightness and acidity to the dish.
9. Fried Okra: Crispy fried okra is a classic Southern side that adds crunch and flavor to the meal.
10. Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty collard greens.

tips and considerations for cooking vegan collard greens

Take the time to make the homemade stock. It does a great job of replicating the smoky and meaty elements provided by smoked meats like ham hocks, turkey wings, etc. typically used in Southern Collard Greens recipes.

Make a big batch of the stock and reserve it for use in other recipes such as black eyed peas, pozole, or red beans.

For an even quicker recipe use pre-packaged collard greens from the store. You'll still want to wash them even if they're labeled as "pre-cleaned."

Smaller chopped greens cook faster so consider this if time is a concern.

Invest in a good quality smoked paprika as well as smoked sea salt. This is the key to getting that smokiness. Resist the urge to use liquid smoke as it's not a natural smoke flavor.

Make these ahead of time. The longer they sit the better they get. You can store these in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. You don't need to go that far, but you get my point.

Checkout my collard greens guide for other ways to use collard greens in recipes.

Substitutions and Variations On This Vegan Collard Green Recipe

Certainly! Here are some substitutions and variations you can try for vegan Southern-style collard greens:

1. Greens Substitutions:
   • Collard greens can be substituted with other leafy greens such as kale, Swiss chard, or mustard greens. Each brings its own unique flavor and texture to the dish.
   • For a lighter option, spinach can be used, though it cooks much faster than collard greens.
2. Smoky Flavor:
   • Instead of smoked paprika or liquid smoke, you can use smoked salt or smoked tofu/tempeh for a smoky flavor without additives.
   • Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a dash of hot sauce can also enhance the smoky tanginess.
3. Protein Additions:
   • For added protein, consider adding cooked chickpeas, black beans, or lentils to the collard greens.
   • Sliced vegan sausage or tempeh bacon can be sautéed and mixed into the greens for extra flavor and texture.
4. Spice Variations:
   • Experiment with different spice blends such as Cajun seasoning, Creole seasoning, or a blend of thyme, rosemary, and garlic for a twist on traditional seasoning.
   • Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper can be added for a bit of heat.
5. Creaminess:
   • Instead of coconut milk, you can use cashew cream or almond milk for a creamy texture.
   • Nutritional yeast can be added for a cheesy flavor and extra nutrients.
6. Sweetness:
   • Balance the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness by adding a teaspoon of maple syrup or agave nectar.
7. Vegetable Additions:
   • Enhance the dish with diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, or carrots for added flavor and color.
   • Chopped mushrooms or diced potatoes can also be included for heartiness.
8. Garnishes and Toppings:
   • Finish the dish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or green onions for freshness.
   • Toasted nuts or seeds (such as almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds) can add a crunchy texture.

frequently asked questions about vegan collard greens (faqs)

why do you put vinegar in collard greens?

Most collard green recipes feature a lot of fat from the presence of smoked meats so the acid in the vinegar helps break it up. That's not a concern with this recipe since it's vegan, but vinegar, especially cider vinegar can help against the greens bitterness as well as add extra flavor.

do you have to soak vegan collard greens before cooking?

Whether I use pre-packaged or fresh greens, I always give them a good cleansing. Soaking greens helps to loosen and/or release any dirt remaining from harvesting.

how do you get the bitterness out of collard greens?

To get rid of the bitterness in greens the key ingredients are sweetener (maple), acid (vinegar), and time, especially time. Slow simmering gets rid of the bitterness.

what food goes with vegan collard greens?

Serve these greens with a side of hot water cornbread, cucumber salad, black eyed pea falafel, and cauliflower curry.

For Similar Collard Greens Recipes, Try These:

Collard Greens Salad

Wine Braised Collards

Collard Greens Slaw

Brazilian Collard Greens

Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey

Instant Pot Collard Greens with Brisket

Pressure Cooked Collard Greens

Braised Collard Greens

Curried Collard Greens

Collard Greens Pesto

Make This Delicious Recipe

Vegan Southern-style collard greens offer a delicious and nutritious twist on a classic dish, showcasing the versatility and creativity of plant-based cooking. Whether enjoyed as a comforting side or a flavorful main, these greens are a celebration of Southern flavors and culinary heritage.

With options for substitutions and variations, you can tailor the dish to your preferences while still capturing the essence of traditional Southern cuisine. Embrace the soulful flavors, hearty textures, and vibrant colors of vegan collard greens, and savor every bite of this plant-powered delight that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.

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