Best Recipe for Vegetarian Collard Greens Made Easy

Collard greens are a beloved staple in Southern cuisine, celebrated for their hearty texture and earthy flavor. However, traditional recipes often include smoked meats, which might not fit a vegetarian lifestyle.

That’s why this best recipe for vegetarian collard greens is a game-changer. It delivers all the soulful, comforting qualities of classic collards but is entirely plant-based and packed with flavor.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to add more greens to your diet, these collard greens will satisfy your cravings and nourish your body.

This recipe uses a blend of aromatic spices, a touch of acidity, and a slow simmer to soften the greens perfectly without losing their vibrant color. Plus, it’s simple enough for a weeknight meal yet special enough to impress guests.

Get ready to enjoy collard greens like never before—rich, flavorful, and completely vegetarian!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian collard greens recipe is a perfect balance of tradition and innovation. It captures the essence of Southern comfort food without relying on animal products.

The slow cooking process tenderizes the tough collard leaves while infusing them with a smoky, tangy depth of flavor from ingredients like smoked paprika and apple cider vinegar.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly nutritious. Collard greens are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants.

This recipe is also highly adaptable—you can easily adjust the spice level or add your favorite veggies for extra texture.

Whether you want a hearty side dish or a main course, these vegetarian collard greens will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients

• 2 large bunches of collard greens (about 1.5 pounds), stems removed and leaves chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (for umami depth)
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave nectar (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
• 1 small smoked jalapeño or chipotle pepper, finely chopped (optional for smoky heat)

Equipment

• Large sharp knife and cutting board
• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Colander or salad spinner for washing greens
• Serving bowl

Instructions

1. Prepare the collard greens. Rinse the collard greens thoroughly under cold water to remove any grit. Pat them dry, then stack and roll the leaves tightly. Slice the rolled leaves into 1-inch wide ribbons, discarding the thick stems.
2. Sauté the aromatics. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add spices and flavorings. Stir in the smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt. If using, add the finely chopped smoked jalapeño or chipotle pepper now. Cook for another minute to toast the spices, enhancing their flavors.
4. Add the collard greens. Gradually add the chopped collard greens to the pot, stirring well to combine with the aromatics and spices. The greens will seem bulky at first but will wilt down as they cook.
5. Pour in liquids. Add the vegetable broth, soy sauce (or tamari), and apple cider vinegar. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
6. Simmer the greens. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally. The collards should be tender but still vibrant green.
7. Adjust seasonings. Taste the greens and add additional salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed. If you want a touch of sweetness, stir in the maple syrup or agave nectar at this point.
8. Serve warm. Transfer the collard greens to a serving bowl and enjoy as a nutritious, flavorful side or main dish.

Tips & Variations

“To ensure your collard greens have a perfect tender yet slightly chewy texture, don’t rush the simmering process. Slow and low is the key.”

• Make it smoky without meat: Using smoked paprika and optional smoked jalapeño or chipotle adds depth and complexity, replicating the smoky notes usually provided by bacon or ham.
• For extra protein: Add cooked chickpeas or white beans during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a heartier meal.
• Spice it up: Increase red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce just before serving.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut milk at the end for a creamy twist.
• Use fresh lemon juice: Substitute apple cider vinegar with fresh lemon juice for a brighter acidity.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegetarian collard greens are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes. For a classic Southern-inspired meal, serve them alongside Lump Of Coal Recipe, which offers smoky baked beans that complement the greens beautifully.

For a cozy brunch, try pairing these collard greens with freshly baked bread like the Marzipan Challah Recipe. The soft, slightly sweet bread balances the savory greens perfectly.

If you’re looking for a lighter, refreshing side, serve the greens with a crisp salad such as the Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe. The contrast in textures will elevate your meal experience.

Conclusion

Vegetarian collard greens are a delicious, nutritious way to enjoy a Southern classic without compromising your dietary choices. This recipe demonstrates how simple ingredients and thoughtful cooking techniques can transform humble greens into a flavorful and satisfying dish.

The smoky notes from paprika and optional smoked peppers, balanced acidity from apple cider vinegar, and a slow simmer bring out the best in the collards.

This dish is perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you want a comforting yet healthy side. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with the tips and variations to make it your own. Enjoy this vegetarian collard greens recipe alongside other favorites like Lump Of Coal or Marzipan Challah for a complete and satisfying meal.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Best Recipe for Vegetarian Collard Greens”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful and nutritious vegetarian collard greens recipe cooked with garlic, onions, and smoked paprika. Perfect as a hearty side dish or main meal addition.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT40M”, “totalTime”: “PT55M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 large bunch collard greens (about 1 lb), washed and chopped”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1 medium onion, finely chopped”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 cup vegetable broth”, “1 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes”, “Salt and black pepper to taste”, “1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar”, “1 teaspoon maple syrup”, “Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts for garnish”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped collard greens and vegetable broth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove lid, add apple cider vinegar and maple syrup; stir well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and pepper to taste.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook uncovered for 5 more minutes until liquid reduces slightly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve warm, garnished with chopped walnuts if desired.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “110 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “5 g”, “fatContent”: “7 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “10 g”}}