Collard greens are a nutritious and versatile leafy green vegetable often used in Southern cooking. They are not only packed with vitamins and minerals but also incredibly delicious when prepared right. If you’re looking for quick and easy ways to make collard greens that will impress your family, here are five methods you can whip up in just 15 minutes.
1. Sautéed Collard Greens with Garlic and Lemon
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of collard greens, washed and chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add chopped collard greens and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are wilted and tender.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the greens, and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot and enjoy the bright, tangy flavor.
2. Collard Green Stir-Fry with Soy Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of collard greens, washed and chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Add sliced onion and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until soft.
- Add chopped collard greens and stir-fry for another 5-7 minutes.
- Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the greens, and mix well.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and serve immediately for a delicious Asian-inspired dish.
3. Quick Collard Greens with Bacon
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of collard greens, washed and chopped
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Remove bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
- Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until soft, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add collard greens and cook, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle the cooked bacon over the top before serving.
4. Spicy Collard Greens with Red Pepper Flakes
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of collard greens, washed and chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1-2 minutes until garlic is golden.
- Add collard greens and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are wilted and tender.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Serve hot, and enjoy the spicy kick!
5. Collard Greens Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of collard greens, washed and thinly sliced
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine collard greens, apple slices, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans.
- In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
These five quick and easy recipes for collard greens are sure to impress your family. Whether you prefer them sautéed, stir-fried, with bacon, spicy, or in a salad, there’s a method here that will suit your taste and be ready in just 15 minutes. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious greens!