Eat Without

Vegetarian Collard Greens

Source: Eating Smart, Being Active Colorado State University Extension

Published by the USDA MyPlate Kitchen library. Read from an archived copy of the source page captured 2025-12-31.

Want to add more leafy greens to your diet but aren’t sure how to start? Check out this recipe for collard greens. A healthy and tasty side dish to accompany your next meal.

Makes
6 Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or cooking oil of choice)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (increase to 1 teaspoon if you like food spicy)
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 1/2 cups collard greens, stems removed and chopped*
  • 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 2 medium tomatoes, seeds removed and chopped**
  • salt and black pepper (to taste)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Wash all vegetables,* and remove seeds from the tomatoes.**
  3. Collect, chop, and measure all ingredients before starting to prepare the recipe.
  4. Heat the oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat.
  5. Add the onion, and cook for about 2 minutes until slightly soft.
  6. Add the red pepper flakes and garlic, and cook for 1 minute. Add the chopped collard greens, and cook for another minute.
  7. Add the broth, cover, and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 40 minutes until the greens are tender.
  8. Add tomatoes.
  9. Taste, and add a small amount of salt and black pepper if desired.
  10. Serve hot.
  11. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Eat within 3 to 5 days.

Notes

* Preparing collard greens: First, remove any damaged outer leaves. Fill a large bowl with cold water, and dunk the greens. Swish them around for a few minutes to help loosen any dirt on the leaves. Pour out the dirty water and fill the bowl with clean water. Swish the leaves under the clean water again to remove any additional dirt. Continue this process until the water in the bowl remains clear. To cut collard greens, fold each leaf in half with the stem at the fold crease. Either cut or tear the stem off. Stack several leaves on top of each other and roll the leaves up. Cut the roll of leaves into 1-inch thick pieces. ** Removing tomato seeds: Turn the tomato on its side so the stem faces to the right. Cut the tomato down the center and use a 1/4 teaspoon to spoon out the seeds. Learn more about: Onions Collard Greens Tomatoes

Quoted for reference only, exactly as the source printed it, so check product labels yourself before relying on any of it. The methodology page covers the guarantee, and how a contributor can have their text removed on request.