Collard greens are a type of green that has a strong flavor and can be eaten fresh, as a salad, or as part of a dish with other vegetables. It is mostly cooked with meat, but that doesn’t mean you can’t cook it without meat. So if you are wondering how to cook collard greens without meat…read ahead and find out.

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What are Collard Greens?

Collard greens are a type of leafy green vegetable popular in many parts of the world, including the southern United States, where they are often cooked with ham or bacon. They are also common in African and Caribbean cuisine. Collard greens taste slightly bitter, but when cooked with ham or bacon, they take on a delicious smoky flavor. You can find collard greens at your local farmer’s market. If you do not have one easily accessible, you can get bunches of collard greens at your local grocery store in the produce section.

Can You Cook Collard Greens Without Meat?

Many people believe you must have some meat to cook collard greens. This simply is not the case! While meat adds a certain flavor to the dish, it is not necessary to enjoy delicious collard greens.

How to Clean Collard Greens

While collard greens are delicious, they can be tricky to clean. Here are some tips for cleaning collard greens to be perfect for your next meal.

First, look for yellow or brown collard green leaves and discard them.
Remove the tough stems from the greens. To do this, hold the stem in one hand and use the other hand to strip the leaves off of the stem. Once the leaves are removed, discard the stem.
Place the greens in a sink or a large bowl filled with fresh water. Swish them in the water, then let them sit for a few minutes. This will help to loosen any dirt or debris clinging to the leaves.
After a few minutes, drain the water from the bowl or sink and rinse the greens with fresh water.
Repeat the process of rinsing until the water comes out clean.

Tips to Remember

Here are some things to keep in mind when cooking collard greens without meat:

When buying collard greens at grocery stores, look for pre-chopped and bagged leafy vegetables to save time.
It is better to cook the collard greens a day before when seasoning, as it takes some time to absorb flavors.
You can use chicken, beef, or vegetable broth. This will help to add flavor and depth of flavor to the dish.
Use a bit of acidity to balance out the flavors. A splash of vinegar or lemon juice can do the trick.
Season well with salt and pepper. This will help to bring out the flavors of the greens.
You can cook collard greens in an instant pot as well.
Don’t overcook the greens. They should be tender but still have a bit of bite to them.
Serve with vegan sour cream or yogurt dollop for extra creaminess and flavor.

Variation Ideas

Here are some ways to add more flavor to these greens:

Leafy greens: You can also cook other leafy greens with collard greens. Spinach, kale etc., are good choices.
Vegetables: Add some aromatic vegetables to the mix. Onions, garlic, and celery are all great choices. Or you can pair it with other vegetables like carrots, corn, etc.
Plant-Based Protein: if you want to add protein but not in the form of meat, no problem. You can also add plant-based protein like cooked beans or tofu to the collard greens.

How to Store Collard Greens Without Meat

Here are some tips on how to store your cooked collard greens so they stay fresh and tasty:

The key to storing cooked collard greens is to ensure they are in an airtight container. This will keep them from drying out or getting freezer burn.
Place the cooked collard greens in the refrigerator as soon as they have cooled down to prevent bacteria from growing. If you are not going to eat them right away, you can store them in the freezer for up to two months.
When you are ready to eat your collard greens, make sure to reheat them until they are steaming hot.