Vegan Collard Greens
Ingredients
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 yellow onion
diced
- 3 cloves garlic
minced
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- or more to taste1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 pounds collard greens
cleaned and cut, 2 large bunches
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
- 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes
chopped, optional
- hot sauce
optional
Directions
- 1
In a large deep pot, sauté the onion in the olive oil for 5-6 minutes over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- 2
To the pot, add the water, smoked paprika, salt and red pepper flakes. Stir and bring to a boil, then reduce heat so it's simmering gently.
- 3
Add in the chopped greens. Cover the pot and simmer for about an hour. They shouldn't be boiling too hard, just gently simmering on low heat. Give the greens a stir every now and then.
- 4
About halfway through cooking, add the vinegar and sun dried tomatoes, if using.
- 5
After an hour, taste and add more salt, hot sauce or any other seasonings as desired. Enjoy!
Vegan Collard Greens
Similar Recipes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/20220406_SL_Southern-Style-Collard-Greens_Beauty_1605-9df766d6d96a4d00aeb240165d7a0669.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/turnip-greens_batch56_2x3-162-572ab937706047088568a5c394ed0d10.jpg)
Ratings & Reviews
Be the First to Rate
Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!
About this Recipe
Craving the soulful comfort of classic Southern collard greens, but looking for a truly satisfying plant-based option? This Vegan Collard Greens recipe delivers all the rich, savory flavor you desire, slow-simmered to tender perfection.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe masterfully transforms humble collard greens into a deeply flavorful dish through slow simmering in a rich, savory broth. The combination of aromatic yellow onion and garlic forms a robust foundation, while smoked paprika infuses a deep, earthy warmth. A touch of distilled white vinegar at the end brightens the entire dish, creating a perfectly balanced profile that will have you reaching for seconds.
What to Expect
You can expect incredibly tender, deeply savory collard greens with a subtle smoky undertone and a gentle kick from the red pepper flakes. The texture is melt-in-your-mouth soft, soaking up all the rich broth without being mushy. This naturally vegan dish boasts a complex flavor that is both comforting and vibrant, making it a standout side dish or even a light main with cornbread. The optional sun-dried tomatoes add an extra layer of umami depth, making the broth even more irresistible.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes to your personal spice preference; for a milder taste, reduce or omit them, and for more heat, add an extra pinch. The sun-dried tomatoes are optional but highly recommended for their concentrated, savory flavor; if you don't have them, the greens will still be delicious. A dash of your favorite hot sauce at the table provides an additional layer of zing for those who crave extra heat.
Serving & Context
These hearty vegan collard greens are a fantastic addition to any Southern-inspired meal, perfect alongside cornbread, plant-based proteins, or as a flavorful component of a larger spread. They're a true taste of comfort, ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.