She Strengthens

Unlock the Power of Collard Greens

When you think of collard greens, traditional Southern cooking might come to mind. But these nutritious, versatile greens offer so much more than just a classic New Year’s Day supper. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, Paleo, or omnivorous, collards can be prepared in a way that suits your taste buds.

Why Collards Stand Out

Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and packed with healthy fatty acids like alpha-linolenic acid, collard greens are a nutritional powerhouse. They also provide a refreshing, palate-cleansing flavor that can balance out heavier fall and winter foods.

Finding Fresh Collards

Lucky for green lovers, collards have a long harvest season. In California and western North Carolina, they’re available year-round. But even if you’re not in these regions, you can find fresh collards in many supermarkets, especially during the fall, winter, and early spring.

Choosing the Best Greens

When shopping for collards, select a bunch that looks full and bright green with minimal tears and holes. A vibrant color indicates high nutrient content. For recipes like collard wraps, choose large, whole leaves for easier preparation.

Cooking Collards to Perfection

There are many ways to prepare collards, but here are some universal tips:

• Remove stems: Cut off the tough end stems before cooking to aid digestion.
• Time it right: Cook collards until they’re tender and retain a bright, deep green color.
• Use oil and salt: Sauté collards in a good-quality oil like avocado or coconut, and add a pinch of salt to bring out their flavor.

Super-Easy Spicy Collards Recipe

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch fresh collard greens
• 1 tablespoon coconut or avocado oil
• 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
• Small handful of raw pumpkin seeds
• Pinch of smoked paprika
• Pinch of black pepper
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• Tamari or liquid amino acids
• 1-2 tablespoons roasted red peppers
• Small block of sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes

Directions:

1. Wash, stem, and finely chop collards.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet and cook onion and pumpkin seeds until onion is translucent.
3. Add collards, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne (optional).
4. Reduce heat and add tamari to taste.
5. Cook, covered, until collards soften but retain a bright hue.
6. Remove from heat, transfer to a bowl, and add roasted peppers and sharp cheddar.

Curried Collards and Beyond

For another easy recipe, try Coconut Curried Greens, which combines ginger, garlic, curry, and coconut for a warming, mild spice flavor. You can also make delicious collard wraps by filling them with hummus, sprouts, and avocado, or using shredded red cabbage, carrots, tofu, bell pepper, fresh basil, and bean sprouts.

Wrap Up with Fresh Flavors

To create simple collard wraps, sauté red cabbage, shredded carrots, garlic, and bell peppers in coconut oil. Season with black pepper, ground coriander, paprika, and turmeric. Then, layer the cooked vegetables in a large raw or steamed collard leaf with cooked rice, soy sauce or tamari, and a bit of peanut butter or sunflower butter. Wrap it up like a burrito and enjoy!

Whether you’re looking for hearty Southern flavor, a warm curry, or fresh low-carb lunch wraps, collards are the perfect addition to your fall cuisine and beyond. These tasty greens are versatile, nutritious, and easy to cook, making them a great choice for any meal.