Heart Smart Collard Greens

Transform your next meal with these "Heart Smart Collard Greens"—a delicious and healthy take on a soul food classic! Perfectly tender and bursting with flavor, this nutrient-packed recipe combines fresh collard greens, aromatic garlic, and smoky paprika for a dish that’s as good for your heart as it is for your taste buds. Simmered in low-sodium vegetable broth and brightened with a splash of apple cider vinegar, these greens offer a savory tang with a subtle heat from optional red pepper flakes. Quick and easy to prepare in under an hour, they make a fantastic side dish or can be served over quinoa or brown rice for a wholesome, plant-based main. Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and heart-friendly olive oil, this recipe is a must-try for clean eating enthusiasts and comfort food lovers alike!

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 bunch fresh collard greens
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Thoroughly rinse the collard greens under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Step 2

Remove the tough stems from the collard greens by slicing along both sides of the center rib. Discard the stems and stack the leaves together.

Step 3

Roll the greens into a tight cylinder and slice them into thin strips, about 1/2 inch wide. Set aside.

Step 4

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 5

Add the diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until soft and translucent.

Step 6

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.

Step 7

Add the sliced collard greens to the pot and toss to coat in the oil, onion, and garlic mixture.

Step 8

Pour in the vegetable broth, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine.

Step 9

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 10

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender but not mushy.

Step 11

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve warm as a side dish or over a bed of quinoa or brown rice for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1202.3 grams (1202.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	464

Total Fat 30.30g	39%
Saturated Fat 4.70g	24%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1660mg	72%
Total Carbohydrate 42.90g	16%
Dietary Fiber 15.00g	54%
Total Sugars 9.60g
Protein 11.20g	22%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 775mg	60%
Iron 3mg	16%
Potassium 1512mg	32%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.8%

Protein: 9.2%

Carbs: 35.1%