Maple Collard Greens

Sweet, smoky, and irresistibly savory, these Maple Collard Greens are a modern twist on a Southern classic that’s sure to steal the spotlight on any table. This easy recipe features tender ribbons of collard greens simmered to perfection with bold aromatics like garlic, smoked paprika, and a touch of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. The magic lies in the addition of maple syrup and apple cider vinegar, which create a perfectly balanced glaze that enhances the greens’ natural earthiness. Ready in under an hour, this dish is both vegetarian and dairy-free, making it a versatile side for any occasion. Serve up these maple-glazed collard greens alongside hearty mains for a soul-warming, nutrient-packed addition to your meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound collard greens
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 0.75 teaspoon sea salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Wash the collard greens thoroughly to remove dirt or grit. Remove the tough stems by folding each leaf in half lengthwise and slicing along the stem. Stack the leaves, roll them tightly, and slice them into 1-inch-wide ribbons.

Step 2

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to release the aromatics.

Step 4

Add the collard greens to the pan in batches, stirring gently until they wilt slightly and all the greens fit in the skillet.

Step 5

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let the collard greens cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

After 25 minutes, stir in the apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, sea salt, and black pepper. Simmer uncovered for an additional 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and some of the liquid to evaporate.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm as a side dish or alongside your favorite main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	886.9 grams (886.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	662

Total Fat 33.80g	43%
Saturated Fat 5.10g	26%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.40g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2383mg	104%
Total Carbohydrate 82.40g	30%
Dietary Fiber 24.40g	87%
Total Sugars 36.80g
Protein 18.70g	37%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 722mg	56%
Iron 8mg	43%
Potassium 1231mg	26%

*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: 42.9%

Protein: 10.6%

Carbs: 46.5%