Slow-Cooked Collard Greens in Olive Oil

Tender collard greens slowly simmered with garlic and olive oil until meltingly soft, finished with a bright splash of apple cider vinegar. This Southern-inspired side dish offers the perfect balance of healthy greens and rich olive oil.

6 servings
1 hr 39 min

Ingredients

  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 8 cloves garlic
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 bunches collard greens
  • 1 to taste kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon sugar

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Heat 1/2 cup oil in a large saucepan over medium. Cook garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring often, until garlic is golden, about 4 minutes.

    4 min

  2. 2.

    Add collard greens to saucepan a handful at a time, stirring until each addition is wilted before adding the next. Season with salt and add 1 cup water. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat so mixture is at a very gentle simmer. Cover and cook, occasionally removing lid to stir, until greens are tender and very dark green, 1-1 1/2 hours.

    90 min

  3. 3.

    Let cool slightly, then stir vinegar and sugar into greens. Transfer to a serving bowl and drizzle with more oil and a splash more of vinegar if desired.

    5 min