Quick Garlicky Sautéed Collards
This Quick Garlicky Sautéed Collards recipe delivers tender, flavorful greens in under 15 minutes, making it an ideal healthy side dish for any meal. Finely slicing the collards ensures rapid cooking and a pleasant texture.
For 3 servings
Wash the collard greens thoroughly. Remove the tough stems by folding each leaf in half and tearing or cutting the stem away. Stack several leaves on top of each other, roll them tightly, and slice them crosswise into very thin ribbons (about ¼-inch thick).
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Add the prepared collard greens to the skillet. They will look like a very large pile. Pour in the vegetable broth or water. Toss the greens with tongs to coat them with the oil and aromatics.
Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the collards steam and wilt for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp and have significantly reduced in volume.
Remove the lid and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing any remaining liquid to evaporate. The collards should be tender but still have a slight bite.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Serve immediately as a vibrant and healthy side dish alongside your favorite protein or grain.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For perfectly tender collards, ensure they are sliced very thinly. This reduces cooking time significantly and results in a more pleasant texture.
- 2Don't overcrowd your pan. If you're doubling the recipe, consider cooking in batches or using a larger pot to ensure even cooking and wilting.
- 3Keep an eye on the garlic to prevent burning. Burnt garlic can turn bitter and ruin the dish's flavor profile.
- 4While the recipe calls for broth, water works just as well to help steam the greens. The lemon juice and seasonings provide ample flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Smoky & Savory
Add a tablespoon of bacon fat instead of olive oil, and a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor profile. You can also crumble cooked bacon on top.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Increase the red pepper flakes to ½ teaspoon or more, or add a finely minced fresh jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the garlic for extra heat.
Tangy TwistTangy Twist
Substitute the lemon juice with a splash of apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for a different acidic brightness.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins
Collard greens are an excellent source of Vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health, and a good source of Vitamins A and C, which support vision and immunity.
High in Fiber
The high fiber content in collard greens aids in digestive health, promotes satiety, and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Antioxidant Powerhouse
Packed with antioxidants like carotenoids and flavonoids, collards help combat oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this method works beautifully with other sturdy greens like kale, mustard greens, or turnip greens. Adjust cooking time slightly as needed; kale might take a minute or two longer.
