Vegan Collard Greens

​This dish is so tasty with its hint of spice, vinegar, and umami flavors you won’t even miss making it the old way.
BY KE’ANNA DODDS

​For me personally collard greens are just one of those dishes you can’t live without on a holiday plate. It sits right next to the dressing, mac and cheese, yams or sweet potatoes, and main protein of choice. Seeing as how I am technically a flexitarian (which means 50% of the time I’m vegan and the other 50% of the time I’m not) that protein of choice would be a nice piece of turkey.
But with this dish I would typically add in some kind of meat to add a lot of flavor to the pot liquor (aka the juice!). But the way I have transformed this dish into not depending on its meaty counterparts I feel like I’ve made my vegan community proud.

What is the history of collard greens?

​Collard greens date back to prehistoric times and is one of the oldest members of the cabbage family. While being one of the most nutrient rich green vegetables there are, this dark leafy green wasn’t introduced to the United States until the early 1600s by the first Africans when they arrived in Jamestown, Virginia.

Notes on Ingredients

Please note that this is important information on the ingredients and instructions and the FULL recipe with amounts and details can be found DOWN BELOW (scroll to it) in the recipe card.

For the Vegan Baked Mac & Cheese:

• Yellow onion
• Garlic
• Vegetable broth
• Rude Boy
• Collard Greens
• Creole seasoning
• Liquid smoke

What is the purpose of using liquid smoke?

​Liquid smoke adds a depth that I’ve only found when cooking with most meats. Of course, some ingredients like mushrooms add depth; but mushrooms don’t go in everything.

How to Make Vegan Collard Greens

​Here’s how to make some amazing vegan collard greens.

​In a pot with a little oil saute the onions and garlic. Then add your vegetable broth, Rude Boy, and seasonings. Taste. Bring to a simmer.

​Add greens to the pot and cooked on low heat for 1 ½ hours (or cooked to your preference). Add more broth if needed.

​Taste and more of the same seasonings if necessary.

​Serve warm.

Tips for Success

These tips will help you make sure your Collard Greens turns out perfect:
 

• Do not over season your pot liquor (aka the juice!). You can always add more at the end.
• Wash your greens several times rinsing in cold water until the water is clear to ensure all the dirt is gone.
• Add liquid smoke for that “meaty” flavor you may miss if you’ve had them the traditional way.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Collard Greens alongside:

• Any of your favorite holiday dishes

How to Store Leftovers

​Collard Greens can be stored in the refrigerator for 5 days in an airtight container.

Can This Recipe Be Frozen?

​Yes! You can freeze this dressing in an airtight freezer container or Ziplock bag for up to 3 months.

Enjoy! If you make this Vegan Collard Greens recipe, please snap a photo and tag #ruekitchen on Instagram! We’d also love it if you would leave a comment below and give the recipe a rating! Thanks so much!

Disclaimer: Although www.ruekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. www.ruekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.