Steamed Collard Greens
Steamed collard greens are tossed with sweet raisins, spicy red pepper flakes, and salty almonds for a deliciously simple side dish. Try these tasty collard greens as a side dish for your next meal!
I have to admit, I’d didn’t try collard greens until I moved to the South. They’re not too popular in the Midwest and it can be hard to find vegetarian-friendly recipes that use collard greens. But when my CSA delivery arrived from Leafy Lane farms, I didn’t want these greens to go to waste! This simple side dish is completely vegan so everyone can enjoy this tasty dish!
How to Steam Collard Greens
Collard greens are typically braised, but I decided to steam them instead. I love how these turned out! To steam the collard greens, first use a sharp knife to remove the stem. This part is tough and bitter, so I don’t recommend using it in the recipe.
Then, chop the collard greens into 1-2″ pieces.
Add the collard greens to a strainer and rinse well to ensure all dirt is removed from the leaves.
Shake dry, but do not dry completely. The remaining water on the leaves will help steam them.
Add the collard greens to a dutch oven. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, adding a splash of water during the cooking process, if needed.
Cook until the leaves are tender and dark green. Once the leaves are steamed, you can remove them from the pot. Add the olive oil, garlic, raisins, and red pepper flakes and cook until the oil is fragrant. Toss the collard greens in the oil and serve with chopped almonds.
Substitution Ideas
- If you can’t find collard greens, try this with kale instead! Remove the stems, just like with the collard greens, and steam until bright green.
- You can use any type of nut for a crunchy, salty topping. Try it with pine nuts, walnuts, or cashews!
- You can use regular rasins or golden raisins. I think this would also be good with dried cranberries!
How to Pick Out Collard Greens
If you’re buying collard greens from the grocery store, look for bright green leaves that are firm, not wilted. Avoid collard greens that are yellowing or have yellow spots. You can also buy pre-washed and chopped collard greens. Just be sure the tough stems have been removed.
How to Store Collard Greens
Store collard greens in a zipper top storage bag, in the fridge. Try to press out as much air as possible before sealing the bag. Avoid washing the collard greens until you’re ready to use them. If they do start to wilt, dunk them in a bowl of cold water to help them crisp up again!
Print
Steamed Collard Greens
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2-4 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These steamed collard greens are tossed with sweet raisins, spicy red pepper flakes, and salty almonds for a deliciously simple side dish. Try these tasty collard greens as a side for your next meal!
Ingredients
- 1 lb collard greens
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons raisins
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped almonds
Instructions
- Use a sharp knife to carefully remove the stems. Discard the stems.
- Then, chop the collard green leaves into 1-2″ pieces.
- Add the collard greens to a strainer and rinse well to ensure all dirt is removed from the leaves.
- Shake dry, but do not dry completely. The remaining water on the leaves will help steam them.
- Add the collard greens to a dutch oven. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, adding a splash of water during the cooking process, if need
- Cook until the leaves are tender. Remove the leaves from the pot.
- In the now empty pot, add the olive oil, raisins, garlic, and red pepper flakes
- Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes
- Add the collard greens back to the pot and stir for 1 minute until warmed and evenly coated
- Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with chopped almonds, and season generously with salt.
Notes
This recipe was adapted from Cooks Country.
Looking for more collard green recipes? Try these!
What to Serve with Collard Greens
These collard greens make a great side dish for a variety of meals, but here are a few of my favorite things to pair them with!
What’s your favorite way to eat collard greens?
Yummy, easy and good for you
Enjoyed this with some barbecued chicken for dinner and it did not disappoint! Easily, a new favorite way to enjoy collard greens!
Oh love the look of this recipe. I’m in Scotland and we don’t have collard greens but do have chard which looks similar to collards. Wondering if they are the same thing or different?