Savory Vegetarian Southern Collard Greens
Enjoy the rich and flavorful taste of these savory Vegetarian Southern Collard Greens without the ham hock! This dish is a perfect blend of tender collard greens simmered in a hearty vegetable stock with aromatic spices and fresh vegetables. It's an easy, healthy, and delicious way to bring a taste of the South to your table, perfect as a side dish or a wholesome main course. Adapted to capture Southern soul food essence without using meat, this recipe ensures that everyone, including vegetarians, can relish the traditional flavors.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon
butter
1 tablespoon
large onion
1/2 (chopped)
red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
garlic clove
1 (finely chopped)
collard greens
1 lb (chopped)
vegetable stock
3 cups
tomatoes
2 (seeded and chopped (optional))
salt
to taste
freshly ground black pepper
to taste
smoked paprika
to taste (optional)
apple cider vinegar
to taste (optional)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
2
Once hot, add the chopped onions and sauté until they begin to soften, about 2-3 minutes.
3
Stir in the red pepper flakes and finely chopped garlic, cooking briefly until fragrant, around 1 minute.
4
Add the chopped collard greens to the pot, stirring to combine, and cook for another minute.
5
Pour in the vegetable stock, then cover the pot with a lid and bring to a simmer.
6
Let it cook until the collard greens are tender, approximately 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7
Towards the end of cooking, add the chopped tomatoes if using, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8
For an added depth of flavor, consider sprinkling a little smoked paprika and adding a splash of apple cider vinegar.
9
Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove from heat and serve hot. Enjoy the savory delight!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Vegetarian Southern Collard Greens?
This dish is a meat-free version of traditional Southern collard greens, using vegetable stock and aromatic spices to achieve a rich, soul-food flavor without ham hocks.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the one tablespoon of butter with an additional tablespoon of olive oil or your favorite plant-based butter substitute.
What type of oil is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of olive oil to sauté the aromatics.
How long should I sauté the onions?
The chopped onions should be sautéed for approximately 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
When is the garlic added to the pot?
Add the garlic after the onions have softened, stirring it in with the red pepper flakes for about 1 minute until fragrant.
What is the recommended cooking time for the collard greens?
The greens should simmer in the vegetable stock for about 45 minutes until they become tender.
Should the pot be covered while cooking the greens?
Yes, you should cover the pot with a lid once you bring the stock and greens to a simmer.
How much vegetable stock is required?
This recipe requires 3 cups of vegetable stock to cook 1 lb of collard greens.
Are tomatoes a mandatory ingredient?
No, the two seeded and chopped tomatoes are listed as an optional ingredient.
How can I achieve a smoky flavor without meat?
Adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika provides a deep, smoky flavor that replicates the taste of traditional meat-based collard greens.
What does apple cider vinegar add to the dish?
A splash of apple cider vinegar adds acidity and a tangy brightness that balances the savory notes of the greens.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
What size onion should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 of a large onion, chopped.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, which you can adjust to your personal preference.
When do I season with salt and pepper?
Salt and freshly ground black pepper should be added towards the end of the cooking process to taste.
Can these greens be served as a main course?
Yes, while they are an excellent side dish, they are also hearty enough to serve as a wholesome main course.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include vegetarian, southern, collard greens, comfort food, soul food, healthy, vegan option, and side dish.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The garlic should be finely chopped before being added to the pot.
How much butter is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of butter.
How should the collard greens be prepared?
The 1 lb of collard greens should be chopped into manageable pieces before cooking.
What heat level should I use for sautéing?
The oil and butter should be heated over medium heat.
Is it necessary to seed the tomatoes?
If you choose to use tomatoes, the recipe recommends they be seeded and chopped.
What type of stock is used?
Vegetable stock is used to keep the recipe vegetarian and flavorful.
How often should I stir the greens?
The greens should be stirred occasionally while they are simmering.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is described as a healthy and wholesome way to enjoy traditional Southern flavors.
When do I add the optional smoked paprika?
The smoked paprika and apple cider vinegar are added for extra depth towards the end of the cooking process.
What is the final serving instruction?
Once everything is heated through and combined, remove the pot from the heat and serve the greens hot.
Can I adjust the amount of garlic?
The recipe calls for 1 clove, but you can adjust this to your taste preference.
What flavor profile does this recipe aim for?
It aims for a savory, smoky, and slightly tangy flavor profile that honors Southern soul food traditions.
Does this recipe use any meat products?
No, this recipe is specifically adapted to be vegetarian by omitting the ham hock usually found in Southern greens.