Are you looking for a delicious and nutritious way to incorporate more greens into your diet? Look no further than collard greens! These versatile leaves are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a great addition to a variety of dishes. From soups and stews to stir-fries and salads, collard greens can be cooked in many different ways to bring out their unique flavor.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 flavorful vegetarian collards recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’re a fan of spicy and savory flavors or light and refreshing options, there’s something on this list for everyone. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and discover the amazing benefits of incorporating more collard greens into your diet!
Garlic and Olive Oil Sautéed Collard Greens
Collard greens are a nutrient-rich superfood that deserves a spot on your plate. This simple recipe elevates their natural earthiness with the pungency of garlic and richness of olive oil.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch collard greens, cleaned and chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped collard greens to the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic and oil.
4. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the greens have wilted to your desired level of tenderness.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spicy Coconut Milk Braised Collards
Elevate your collard game with this creamy and spicy twist! This recipe combines the natural sweetness of collards with the richness of coconut milk and a kick of heat from red pepper flakes.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh or frozen collard greens, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add collard greens and stir to combine. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until slightly wilted.
5. Pour in coconut milk and season with salt and black pepper. Bring mixture to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let braise, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until collards are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lemon Herb Steamed Collard Greens
A bright and refreshing twist on traditional steamed greens, this recipe combines the tanginess of lemon with the earthy flavor of collard greens. Perfect as a side dish or added to your favorite meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch collard greens, cleaned and chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring 2 inches of water to a boil.
2. Add the collard greens, cover, and steam for 5-7 minutes or until tender.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and parsley.
4. Once the greens are cooked, pour the lemon herb mixture over the top and toss to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Smoked Paprika and Tomato Collard Greens
This recipe is a flavorful twist on traditional collard greens, with the added depth of smoked paprika and sweet tomatoes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish for your favorite meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch collard greens, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the chopped collard greens, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until greens are tender.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional smoked paprika if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Sweet and Tangy Balsamic Glazed Collards
Sweet and Tangy Balsamic Glazed Collards Recipe
Elevate your collard greens game with this sweet and tangy balsamic glaze recipe that adds a depth of flavor to this classic Southern side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch of collard greens, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the chopped collard greens, chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, and honey to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the collards are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Cashew Collard Greens with Nutritional Yeast
This recipe combines the nutritional benefits of collard greens with the creamy richness of cashews and the cheesy flavor of nutritional yeast. A perfect vegan twist on a classic Southern dish!
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch collard greens, stems removed and chopped
– 1/2 cup cashews
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
– 1/4 cup vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine cashews and 2 cups water. Blend until smooth.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
3. Add collard greens to the skillet; cook until wilted.
4. Stir in blended cashew mixture, salt, black pepper, and nutritional yeast. Cook for 5 minutes or until heated through.
5. Add vegetable broth and lemon juice; stir to combine.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Curried Collard Greens with Chickpeas
Discover the flavorful fusion of collard greens and chickpeas, elevated by a warm and aromatic curry spice blend. This hearty dish is perfect for a comforting and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch collard greens, chopped
– 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cups vegetable broth
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the collard greens, curry powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until the greens are slightly wilted, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the chickpeas and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 15-20 minutes or until the greens are tender.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Maple Mustard Roasted Collard Greens
Sweet and tangy, these roasted collard greens bring a new level of flavor to this Southern staple.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch collard greens, stems removed and discarded, leaves chopped into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the collard greens with the olive oil, maple syrup, and mustard until the leaves are evenly coated.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Spread the greens in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the greens reach your desired level of tenderness.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Collard Greens and Black Bean Enchiladas
A flavorful twist on traditional enchiladas, this recipe combines the nutritious power of collard greens with the rich taste of black beans, all wrapped up in a crispy tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch collard greens, chopped
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 1 cup enchilada sauce
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened.
3. Add chopped collard greens, cumin, and chili powder. Cook until greens are wilted.
4. Stir in black beans and cook for an additional minute.
5. In a separate pan, warm tortillas over medium heat.
6. Assemble enchiladas by spooning the green mixture onto a tortilla, rolling up, and placing seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
7. Pour enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese (if using).
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Vegan Collard Greens with Smoked Tofu
This hearty dish combines the rich flavor of smoked tofu with the tender, slightly bitter taste of collard greens. A perfect comfort food for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch collard greens, chopped
– 1/2 cup smoked tofu, crumbled
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable broth
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the collard greens, crumbled tofu, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth and stir to coat the greens evenly.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until the greens are tender.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Collard Greens and Sweet Potato Stir-Fry
A flavorful and nutritious vegetarian dish that combines the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes with the slightly bitter taste of collard greens. This stir-fry is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, making it an excellent addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
– 2 cups fresh or frozen collard greens, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add sweet potato and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
4. Add collard greens and soy sauce (or tamari). Cook, stirring frequently, until greens are wilted and tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped nuts, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Collard Greens Pesto Pasta
This recipe combines the nutty flavor of collard greens with the richness of pesto and the comfort of pasta, creating a unique and delicious dish.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., pappardelle, fettuccine)
– 1 bunch collard greens, chopped
– 1/4 cup pine nuts
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine collard greens, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Blend until smooth.
3. With the blender or food processor still running, slowly add the olive oil through the top. Continue blending until the pesto sauce forms.
4. Add the pesto sauce to the cooked pasta and toss to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Collard Greens and Lentil Soup
This comforting soup combines the nutrients of collard greens with the creamy texture of lentils, making it a perfect meal for a chilly day. With a depth of flavor from aromatics and spices, this recipe is a delicious way to get your daily dose of greens.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups collard greens, chopped (fresh or frozen)
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cups water
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add lentils, broth, collard greens, cumin, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
3. Add water and continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the soup has reached desired consistency.
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Collard Greens Stuffed with Quinoa and Veggies
A flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional collard greens, this recipe combines the earthy taste of quinoa and sautéed vegetables with the tender crunch of cooked collards.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch of fresh collard greens, stems removed and discarded, leaves chopped
– 1 cup of cooked quinoa
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the cooked quinoa to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetable mixture.
4. Stuff each collard green leaf with the quinoa-vegetable mixture, placing them seam-side down in a baking dish.
5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the greens are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Collard Greens and Mushroom Risotto
This creamy risotto combines the earthy flavor of collard greens with the savory taste of mushrooms, making it a hearty and satisfying vegetarian dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 8 oz mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and button), sliced
– 2 cups collard greens, stems removed and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add mushrooms and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add collard greens, garlic, and broth, one cup at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each portion to absorb before adding the next.
4. If using wine, add it after the third cup of broth.
5. Stir in butter and season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve immediately, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Collard Greens Wraps with Avocado and Hummus
Get ready to wrap up a nutritious and delicious meal with this easy-to-make recipe! Crunchy collard greens, creamy avocado, and savory hummus come together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch of collard greens
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 ripe avocado, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons of hummus
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4-6 large collard leaves (about 1/4 cup each)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a pan with the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the collard greens, stirring occasionally, until wilted (about 5-7 minutes).
4. In a separate bowl, combine the sliced avocado and hummus.
5. Assemble the wraps by placing a spoonful of the collard green mixture onto a collard leaf, followed by a dollop of the avocado-hummus mix.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Collard Greens and Cornbread Casserole
This hearty casserole combines the natural sweetness of collard greens with the warmth of cornbread, perfect for a cozy evening meal. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch collard greens, chopped
– 2 cups cornbread mix
– 1 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the collard greens with butter until tender.
3. In a separate bowl, mix cornbread mix, milk, and melted butter.
4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and layer half of the cornbread mixture, followed by the cooked collard greens, and finally half of the shredded cheese.
5. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining cornbread mixture and cheese on top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Collard Greens Smoothie with Pineapple and Ginger
This refreshing smoothie combines the nutritional benefits of collard greens with the sweetness of pineapple and the spiciness of ginger, making it a perfect blend for a healthy morning start.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups collard green leaves
– 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
– 1/2 banana, sliced
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add collard greens, pineapple, ginger, banana, and almond milk to a blender.
2. Blend the mixture on high speed until smooth and creamy.
3. Add honey and blend for another second or until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
5. Pour into a glass and serve immediately. You can add ice cubes if you prefer a thicker texture.
Cooking Time: 2 minutes
Summary
Discover the delicious world of vegetarian collards recipes! This collection of 18 mouth-watering dishes showcases the versatility and flavor of collard greens. From classic sautéed collards with garlic and olive oil to innovative braises, stews, and smoothies, there’s something for every taste and dietary need. Spicy and savory options like Coconut Milk Braised Collards and Curried Collard Greens with Chickpeas will satisfy your cravings, while sweet treats like Balsamic Glazed Collards and Collard Greens Smoothie with Pineapple and Ginger will delight. Get ready to elevate your plant-based cooking game with these easy and healthy recipes!
