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.
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.
Ingredients Needed To Make Vegan Collard Greens
- Collard Greens
- Homemade Vegan Broth
- Onions
- Cider Vinegar
- Maple Syrup
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Black Pepper
- Olive Oil
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.
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 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 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. Serve and enjoy.
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."
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.
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:
Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey
Instant Pot Collard Greens with Brisket
Pressure Cooked Collard Greens
Ingredients
- 4 bunches Collard Greens chopped roughly
- 1 large Onions sliced
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Smoked Sea Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 4 cups Homemade Vegetable Stock
- 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup
- ¼ cup Cider Vinegar
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Stock
- Follow the ingredient list and detailed recipe for Homemade Vegetable Stock.
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 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 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. Serve and enjoy.
Allyssa says
Thank you so much for sharing this amazing vegan collard greens recipe! Will surely have this again! It's really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!
Cathleen says
I have always wanted to make collard greens because I have never tried it before! This needs to happen in my house soon, thanks so much for the recipe 😉
Liz says
I feel I've been missing out - I've never had collard greens before! This looks delicious! Will be giving this a try!
Kathryn says
This is such a simple and delicious way to enjoy fresh greens! Loved it and it was so easy to prepare!
Petro says
I never cooked with collard, it's time to add it to my kitchen repertoire! Thanks for the recipe, sounds like a super delicious and healthy side dish!
GUNJAN C Dudani says
I recently started eating collard greens and have been looking for recipes. This is on my to do list for my weekly meal prep.
Debbie says
I have been searching for the perfect recipe for making collard greens and I think I have found it. This seasoning perfectly balances with the flavor of the greens. I could literally eat the whole pot all alone lol.
Jamie says
The smoked paprika and smoked salt gave these collard greens so much flavor! I think it's my new favorite side. Delicious!
Amy says
Love me some greens! The maple syrup was a delicious addition and I enjoyed the smokiness from the smoked paprika and smoked sea salt.
Chenee Lewis says
We're eating plant-based this month and these greens were perfect for Sunday dinner! So much flavor without any meat!
Heidy says
This recipe for Southern-Style Vegan Collard Greens was fantastic! Perfect for serving my vegan friends! I will be making this again! Have a great day.
hallie says
how many servings does this yield
Marwin Brown says
It's about 6 servings if eating strictly as a side dish