Collard Greens Recipes Soul Vegan: Flavorful Plant-Based Dishes

If you’re craving true Southern comfort but want to keep things plant-based, you’re in for a treat. Collard greens have long been a staple of soul food, slow-simmered until tender and steeped with smoky, savory flavor.

Traditionally, these greens might get their depth from ham hocks or bacon, but with a little creativity and the right seasonings, you can create soul-satisfying vegan versions that everyone at the table will love.

Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting Sunday supper, or simply looking for hearty, nourishing greens, these vegan collard greens recipes bring all the warmth and nostalgia—no animal products needed.

Let’s dive into the vibrant world of soul vegan collard greens, where flavor, tradition, and compassion come together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, soulful flavor without any animal products—perfect for vegans and anyone looking to eat more plant-based meals.
• Simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store, but with bold results.
• Perfect for gatherings—these collard greens are a crowd-pleaser at holidays, potlucks, and family dinners.
• Nutritious and hearty, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
• Versatile and customizable, so you can adjust the heat or add your own favorite soul food twists.

Ingredients

Equipment

• Large stockpot or Dutch oven
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander for rinsing greens

Instructions

1. Prepare the collard greens:

   Thoroughly rinse the collard greens in cold water, removing any grit. Lay the leaves flat, stack them, and slice out the tough stems.

   Roll the leaves into a tight bundle and slice into 1-inch ribbons.

2. Sauté the aromatics:

   Heat the olive oil in your large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent (about 4-5 minutes).

   Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

3. Season the base:

   Stir in the smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Let the spices toast for 30 seconds to bloom their flavor.

4. Add the collard greens:

   Gradually add the sliced collard greens to the pot, stirring so they wilt and make room for the rest. This may take a few minutes as the greens cook down.

5. Simmer:

   Pour in the vegetable broth, liquid smoke (if using), apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup. Stir well, cover, and bring to a gentle simmer.

6. Cook until tender:

   Reduce heat to low and simmer the greens for 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally. If necessary, add a bit more broth or water to keep the greens just covered.

7. Taste and adjust:

   Once the collard greens are tender and flavorful, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, vinegar, or maple syrup as desired.

8. Serve hot:

   Ladle the greens and some of their “pot liquor” (the flavorful cooking broth) into bowls. Enjoy immediately!

Tips & Variations

• “Adding a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of vegan chili powder at the end gives your collard greens an extra kick!”

• Swap greens: Try mixing in kale, mustard greens, or turnip greens for a different flavor profile.
• Make it smoky: If you love smoky flavor, try adding a diced chipotle pepper or more liquid smoke.
• Boost the protein: Stir in some cooked black-eyed peas, lentils, or white beans to make this a protein-packed main dish. Check out these Alkaline Vegan Chickpea Recipes for even more inspiration!
• Oil-free option: Sauté the onion and garlic in a splash of broth instead of oil.
• Serve with cornbread: Vegan collard greens and cornbread are a classic soul food pairing.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and will vary based on exact ingredients and serving size.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic sides: Serve with vegan cornbread, baked sweet potatoes, or a bowl of rice for a true Southern meal.
• Soul food plate: Add vegan mac and cheese, BBQ tofu, or black-eyed peas for a festive feast.
• On a sandwich: Pile the greens onto a toasted bun with vegan mayo and tomatoes for a delicious sandwich.
• In a bowl: Layer collard greens with grains, beans, and roasted veggies for a hearty power bowl. For more bowl ideas, try the Vegan Chipotle Bowl Recipe.
• Top with crunch: Sprinkle with toasted pecans or crispy fried onions for texture.

Conclusion

Vegan collard greens bring soul to your table—no meat required. With their tender leaves, smoky depth, and tangy finish, these greens prove you don’t need animal products to capture the heart of Southern cooking.

Whether you’re serving them for Sunday dinner or as part of your holiday menu, they’re sure to become a cherished favorite. The best part?

They’re as nourishing as they are delicious, providing greens, fiber, and a host of essential nutrients in every bite. Don’t be surprised if even your meat-eating friends ask for seconds!

For more plant-based comfort classics and creative vegan recipes, explore these delicious collections: A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion, Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals, and Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals.

Enjoy every soulful, plant-powered bite!

More Soul Vegan Collard Greens Recipes to Try

Spicy Peanut Collard Greens

• Ingredients: Collard greens, onion, garlic, ginger, peanut butter, soy sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and roasted peanuts.
• Instructions: Sauté aromatics, add chopped greens, stir in a quick peanut sauce, and cook until tender. Garnish with peanuts and a squeeze of lime.
• Tip: Serve over brown rice or in a grain bowl for a complete meal.

Smoky Coconut-Braised Collard Greens

• Ingredients: Collard greens, coconut milk, smoked paprika, shallots, garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of cayenne.
• Instructions: Sauté shallots and garlic, add greens, pour in coconut milk and spices, simmer until creamy and tender, then finish with lemon juice.
• Variation: Add chickpeas or white beans for extra protein and texture.

Collard Greens & Black-Eyed Peas Stew

• Ingredients: Collard greens, cooked black-eyed peas, fire-roasted tomatoes, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, cumin, smoked paprika, and thyme.
• Instructions: Sauté onion and garlic, add tomatoes and spices, stir in greens and broth, simmer, then add black-eyed peas. Cook until greens are soft and flavors meld.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with crusty bread or vegan cornbread for a hearty dinner.

Quick Collard Greens Stir-Fry

• Ingredients: Collard greens, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, scallions, soy sauce or tamari, toasted sesame seeds.
• Instructions: Heat sesame oil in a wok, add garlic and ginger, stir-fry greens until just wilted, splash with soy sauce, and toss with scallions and sesame seeds.
• Variation: Add tofu cubes or tempeh for a protein boost.

Sweet & Tangy Collard Greens Salad

• Ingredients: Raw collard greens (thinly sliced), dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, apple, red onion, lemon-tahini dressing.
• Instructions: Massage collard greens with dressing until tender, then toss with remaining ingredients for a bright, refreshing salad.
• Tip: Great for meal prep—collard greens hold up well in the fridge.

No matter which version you try, these soul vegan collard greens recipes promise comfort, flavor, and nourishment in every bite. For more vegan inspiration, don’t miss our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion, or explore global flavors with Bamia Recipe Palestinian Vegetarian Style Made Easy and Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals.

Happy cooking!

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