Collard Greens Surprise

Discover the vibrant flavors of "Collard Greens Surprise"—a Southern-inspired dish that’s anything but ordinary. This hearty recipe transforms tender collard greens into a savory masterpiece, sautéed with rich olive oil, sweet yellow onions, and aromatic garlic. A splash of apple cider vinegar and a kick of smoked paprika and red pepper flakes infuse the greens with bold, tangy depth, while a simmer in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes ensures melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Topped with the smoky crunch of bacon or a vegan alternative, this dish strikes the perfect balance between comforting and wholesome. Whether served as a flavorful side or paired with cornbread and rice for a satisfying main, this recipe will surprise and delight your taste buds with every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 bunches collard greens
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 3 large garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 0.5 cup cooked and crumbled bacon or smoked vegan bacon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the collard greens thoroughly to remove any grit. Remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into 1-inch wide strips.

Step 2

Peel and finely dice the yellow onion. Mince the garlic cloves.

Step 3

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Step 5

Stir in the apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to coat the onions and garlic in the spices.

Step 6

Add the collard greens to the pot in batches, allowing each batch to wilt slightly before adding more. Stir frequently.

Step 7

Once all the greens are in the pot, pour in the vegetable broth and add the diced tomatoes with their juices.

Step 8

Stir the mixture well and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender.

Step 9

Mix in the cooked and crumbled bacon or smoked vegan bacon, if using. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.

Step 10

Serve warm as a side dish or a comforting main, accompanied by cornbread or rice, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1968.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1434.6

Total Fat 85.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 22.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.1g
Cholesterol 85.0mg	0%
Sodium 6643.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 106.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 48.0g	0%
Total Sugars 26.0g
Protein 79.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1345.0mg	0%
Iron 15.7mg	0%
Potassium 3313.0mg	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: 50.8%

Protein: 21.1%

Carbs: 28.1%