Collard Green Soup Recipe
Collard Green Soup
Table of Contents
Collard Green Soup
Delight your taste buds with this hearty and nutritious collard green soup. Packed with flavors and vibrant ingredients, this dish is not only satisfying but also a wonderful way to incorporate greens into your diet. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a nutritious lunch, this collard green soup is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Description
Collard green soup is a delicious and wholesome dish that highlights the earthy flavor of collard greens while combining them with a medley of fresh vegetables and savory broth. This soup is perfect for any season and can be enjoyed as a comforting meal on chilly days or a light, refreshing dish during warmer months.
Collard greens, a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, are known for their numerous health benefits. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and are also a great source of fiber and calcium. This makes collard green soup not only delicious but also a nutritious choice for health conscious eaters. The preparation of this soup is straightforward, making it an ideal recipe for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
This recipe features a base of sautéed onions, garlic, and carrots, which add depth and sweetness to the soup. Adding diced tomatoes introduces a touch of acidity, balancing the rich flavors. The collard greens are then added to the mix, providing a vibrant green color and a boost of nutrients. For added protein, this recipe incorporates white beans, which also lend creaminess to the soup without the need for dairy.
Whether you’re enjoying this soup on a cold winter night or looking for a healthy dish to serve at a summer gathering, collard green soup is versatile and satisfying. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple salad, making it a complete meal.
To elevate the flavor of this soup, consider adding spices such as smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. You can also experiment with different herbs like thyme or parsley to enhance the flavor profile further. This soup is highly customizable, allowing you to make it your own while still maintaining its delicious essence.
Collard green soup is a fantastic way to introduce more greens into your diet, and it can be made ahead of time, storing well in the refrigerator for several days or freezing for future meals. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits, making leftovers taste even better.
So, whether you’re looking to impress guests, nourish your family, or simply enjoy a comforting bowl of goodness, this collard green soup recipe is a must try. With its healthy ingredients and delectable taste, it’s sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 pound collard greens, washed and chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat
- Fresh lemon juice for serving
Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth: Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Add Collard Greens: Once simmering, add the chopped collard greens. Stir them into the broth and cook until they begin to wilt, about 5 minutes.
- Mix in Beans and Seasonings: Add the white beans, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. If desired, add red pepper flakes for extra heat. Let the soup simmer for an additional 20-25 minutes.
- Serve: Once the collard greens are tender, taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top for added brightness.
Notes
- Storage: This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Customization: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes or bell peppers, or substitute the white beans for chickpeas.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Collard Green Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, with juice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 pound collard greens washed and chopped
- 1 15 oz can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat
- Fresh lemon juice for serving
Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth: Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Add Collard Greens: Once simmering, add the chopped collard greens. Stir them into the broth and cook until they begin to wilt, about 5 minutes.
- Mix in Beans and Seasonings: Add the white beans, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. If desired, add red pepper flakes for extra heat. Let the soup simmer for an additional 20-25 minutes.
- Serve: Once the collard greens are tender, taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top for added brightness.
Notes
- Storage: This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Customization: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes or bell peppers, or substitute the white beans for chickpeas.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
