Collard Greens and Red Beans

Bring Southern comfort to your table with this hearty and flavorful Collard Greens and Red Beans recipe. Perfectly tender collard greens are simmered in a smoky, spiced vegetable broth alongside protein-packed red beans, creating a wholesome, plant-based dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Bursting with layers of flavor from smoked paprika, cumin, and a splash of apple cider vinegar, each bite offers a satisfying balance of earthy, tangy, and slightly spicy notes. Ready in just under an hour, this one-pot recipe is ideal as a warming side dish or a stand-alone main when paired with crusty cornbread. Packed with fiber and plant-based goodness, it’s a savory soul food classic tailored for modern, healthy kitchens!

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 pound collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups red beans, cooked and drained (or canned, rinsed)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the chopped collard greens to the pot and stir well to coat the leaves with the spices and oil.

Step 5

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 25–30 minutes until the collard greens are tender.

Step 6

Stir in the red beans, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning, adding red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired.

Step 8

Serve hot as a hearty side or pair with cornbread for a satisfying main dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2039.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1165.6

Total Fat 41.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.5g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 5560.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 166.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 54.9g	0%
Total Sugars 23.6g
Protein 55.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1409.5mg	0%
Iron 17.4mg	0%
Potassium 4445.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 29.4%

Protein: 17.5%

Carbs: 53.0%