Spiced Collard Greens with Garlic and Lemon
Collard greens simmered with garlic, lemon, and a hint of red pepper, creating a bright, tender side dish. This ethiopian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 42 minutes pairs stems removed, chopped collard greens, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs, stems removed, chopped collard greens
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- to taste salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add chopped collard greens and 1/2 cup vegetable broth, stirring to coat the greens. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Step 3: Uncover and continue cooking for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until greens are tender and reduced in volume.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and salt to taste. Simmer uncovered for 2 minutes to brighten flavors.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Collard Greens with Garlic and Lemon take to make?
Total time is about 42 minutes (15 min prep + 27 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Spiced Collard Greens with Garlic and Lemon?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Collard Greens with Garlic and Lemon?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spiced Collard Greens with Garlic and Lemon for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Spiced Collard Greens with Garlic and Lemon?
Ethiopian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
