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Collard greens are a nutritious, versatile vegetable that can be cooked quickly and deliciously. If you’re looking to impress your family with some mouth-watering dishes, here are five of the best and easiest ways to prepare collard greens in just 15 minutes.
1. Garlic and Olive Oil Sautéed Collard Greens
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of collard greens, washed and chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chopped collard greens and stir to coat them with the oil and garlic.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender but still vibrant.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Serve hot.
2. Collard Greens Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of collard greens, washed and sliced into thin ribbons
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
Instructions:
- Heat sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add grated ginger and cook for about 1 minute.
- Add the collard greens and red bell pepper, stir-frying for about 5 minutes.
- Add soy sauce and rice vinegar, mixing well to coat the greens.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until greens are tender.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
3. Spicy Collard Greens with Bacon
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of collard greens, washed and chopped
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
- Add diced onion and jalapeño to the skillet, cooking until soft, about 3 minutes.
- Add the collard greens and stir to coat with the bacon drippings and vegetables.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until greens are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper, and stir in the crispy bacon pieces. Serve immediately.
4. Lemon and Parmesan Collard Greens
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of collard greens, washed and chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the collard greens and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the greens and mix well.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
5. Quick Collard Green Wraps
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of collard greens, leaves whole and stems removed
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- Hummus or your favorite spread
Instructions:
- Blanch the collard green leaves in boiling water for 30 seconds, then plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Pat dry.
- Lay out the collard greens on a flat surface and spread a thin layer of hummus or your favorite spread over each leaf.
- Add a spoonful of cooked quinoa or rice, avocado slices, diced tomato, and shredded carrots.
- Roll the collard greens tightly, folding in the sides as you go, to create wraps.
- Serve as a healthy snack or a light meal.
These five recipes are not only quick and easy but also incredibly delicious. Your family will love the variety and flavor, and you’ll love how simple they are to prepare. Enjoy your time in the kitchen and the smiles around the dinner table!