Steaming Fresh Collard Greens: A Simple Guide

Steamed collard greens are a tasty and nutritious side dish that can accompany a variety of meals. They are simple to prepare and cook, and are a great way to add some leafy greens to your diet. This dish is also vegan and vegetarian-friendly, and can be served with a variety of toppings, such as nuts, raisins, olive oil, and cheese. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to make delicious steamed collard greens.

Characteristics of steamed collard greens

How to prepare collard greens for steaming

Preparing collard greens for steaming is a simple process. First, you'll want to wash your collard greens in cold water. You can choose to remove the stems, as they can be tough and bitter, but if you are planning to chop the leaves into thin strips, you may find this unnecessary.

Next, chop the leaves into strips, around 1-2 inches wide. Rinse the chopped leaves in a strainer, ensuring all dirt is removed. Shake the leaves dry, but do not dry them completely—the remaining water will help with the steaming process.

Now your collard greens are ready to be steamed! Place them in a pot or steamer basket, and follow your chosen recipe for cooking instructions.

The best cooking equipment to use

Washing and Cutting the Greens:

• For washing the collard greens, you will need a sink or a large bowl filled with cold water. You can use your hands to gently agitate the greens and remove any dirt or debris.
• To remove the tough stems from the collard greens, you will need a sharp knife. You can then cut the leaves into the desired size, typically 1-2 inch wide strips.

Steaming the Greens:

• You can use a variety of pots or pans for steaming, such as a large saucepan, a Dutch oven, or a skillet. The pot should be large enough to accommodate the volume of greens you are cooking and have a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam.
• If you have a steamer basket that fits into one of your pots or pans, this can be a helpful tool to ensure even cooking and to make it easier to remove the greens from the pot when they are done. However, it is not necessary, as you can also place the greens directly into the pot with a small amount of water.

Serving the Greens:

• You will need a serving dish or bowl to toss the steamed greens with your desired seasonings or ingredients, such as olive oil, butter, lemon juice, cheese, or spices.
• If you plan to freeze your cooked collard greens for later use, you will need a resealable plastic bag or another airtight container.

How long to steam collard greens

Steaming collard greens is a simple and nutritious way to prepare this vegetable. The collard greens should be steamed for around 5-10 minutes, depending on their size and toughness.

To steam collard greens, first, use a sharp knife to remove the stems, as this part of the leaf is tough and bitter. Then, chop the leaves into 1-2 inch pieces. Rinse the leaves in a strainer to ensure all dirt is removed. It is important not to dry the leaves completely, as the remaining water will help with the steaming process.

Add the greens to a pot with about 1 cup of water, or enough to cover the bottom of the pot by about 1 inch. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the greens to steam until they are tender and a bright or dark green colour. This should take around 5-10 minutes, but be careful not to overcook them, as this will affect their colour and nutritional value.

Once the greens are tender, remove them from the pot and serve immediately. You can season them with salt and pepper, or try tossing them in olive oil, lemon juice, and butter for a delicious and simple side dish.

What to serve with steamed collard greens

Steamed collard greens are a simple and tasty side dish that can be served with a variety of mains. Here are some ideas on what to serve with them:

Grilled Veggie Kabobs

Veggie kabobs are a great option to pair with steamed collard greens. Thread your favourite vegetables onto skewers and grill them to perfection. This adds a nice charred flavour to your meal and complements the freshness of the greens.

Chili and Cornbread Skillet

For a heartier option, a chilli and cornbread skillet is a delicious choice. The spiciness of the chilli can be balanced by the mild flavour of the steamed collard greens. The cornbread adds a nice crunchy texture to the meal as well.

Barbecued Chicken

If you're looking for a protein-packed option, barbecued chicken is a perfect match for steamed collard greens. The smokiness of the barbecue sauce pairs well with the greens, and the dish received a positive review from a user who tried this combination.

Pasta, Lasagna, or Other Italian/Greek Entrées

The Mediterranean flavours of lemon and garlic in Brazilian-style collard greens go well with pasta, lasagna, or other Italian or Greek dishes. The collard greens can add a healthy and tasty side to your meal.

Black Beans and Rice

For a vegetarian or vegan option, collard greens go great with black beans and rice. This combination is inspired by Brazilian cuisine, where collard greens frequently accompany the national dish, "feijoada," which includes these ingredients.

Chopped Peanuts

Taking inspiration from West African cuisine, adding chopped peanuts to your collard greens can be a tasty choice. The crunch of the peanuts can add a nice texture contrast to the tender steamed greens.

Remember, steamed collard greens are quite versatile, so feel free to experiment with different flavour combinations and find what suits your taste buds!

How to store collard greens

Collard greens are a nutritious leafy green vegetable related to cabbage, broccoli, and kale. They are popular in the American South but can be found in many grocery stores across North America and beyond. To ensure your collard greens remain fresh and delicious, follow these storage instructions.

Storing Fresh Collard Greens:

• Do not wash the collard greens if you plan on using them within the week. Introducing water to the greens can promote decay, reducing their freshness.
• Place the collard greens in an air-tight plastic bag. Push out as much air as possible before sealing. Collard greens need to be kept in plastic bags to prevent them from becoming dehydrated and limp.
• Refrigerate the collard greens in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Use them within 5 to 7 days of storage. Check on the collard greens daily to ensure they are still suitable for eating.
• Wash the collard greens thoroughly before preparing. Collard greens tend to be relatively dirty and gritty. Wash each leaf under running water or soak them in fresh water to ensure they are clean.

Storing Collard Greens in the Freezer:

• Wash the collard greens thoroughly if you plan on storing them in the freezer. Soak the leaves in a bowl or sink of water or wash them in running water to remove all grit and dirt.
• Cut up the collard greens. Separate the stems from the leaves and cut them into smaller pieces. Cut the leaves into your desired shape—many people like to cut them into strips.
• Blanch the collard greens. Place the greens in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to slightly cook them while retaining their bright green color. Then, immediately place them in an ice water bath to stop the cooking process.
• Put the collard greens in an air-tight container in the freezer. Dry off any excess moisture, then place the blanched leaves in a plastic container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Label the package with the date.
• Use the collard greens within 10 to 12 months. Collard greens stored in the freezer can be used for a long time, but they will develop freezer burn eventually.

Frequently asked questions