| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 40 mins – 50 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 180 | 5g | 1g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 7g | 8g | 0.70g |
There’s a certain magic to recipes that reflect the simplicity and sincerity of home-cooked meals, and that is exactly what you can find in our Vegetarian Collard Greens Soup. Infused with hearty flavors and rich in nutrients, this recipe is a tribute to the culinary diversity of New York City, highlighting the ease with which various ingredients can coexist and complement each other in one comforting bowl.
A Bowl of Health and Nostalgia
The Vegetarian Collard Greens Soup is a delightful blend of health and nostalgia. It sets itself apart from the average soup by featuring collard greens, a nutritious leafy vegetable that’s often underrated. Each spoonful offers a wealth of minerals, vitamins, and fiber. The inclusion of beans adds a layer of protein and texture to the soup, not to mention the additional health benefits that beans provide. Coupled with the tartness of lemon juice, and the aromatic flavors of herbs and spices, this soup is truly a symphony of flavors.
Staying True to My Roots
Though my work as a stage actor often subjects me to a whirlwind of experiences, coming home to a comforting bowl of this soup brings me back to the fond memories of my grandmother’s kitchen. Simultaneously, it resonates with the spirit of New York City, a true melting pot where diverse cuisines blend freely. If asked to envision New York City in a dish, this soup would be an authentic representation.
This soup is much similar to Vegetable Minestrone, a popular Italian soup that also celebrates the versatility of vegetables. Whether served on its own or coupled with a slice of rustic French bread, the flavors of the Vegetarian Collard Greens Soup are sure to shine.
Above all, the beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Whether you are following a vegetarian lifestyle or simply opting for a wholesome meal, this soup provides a canvas that can be modified to suit your preferences without compromising the essence of the dish.
Give it a try and let the comforting warmth of this homespun recipe envelop you with love and health. Cook it, taste it, and let me know how this New York City-inspired Vegetarian Collard Greens Soup won you over!
What You’ll Need
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- 1 large bunch of collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 can (15 ounces) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
Method
Step One
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once heated, add the diced yellow onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots and chopped celery. Cook until the onion is translucent and the vegetables have started to soften. This should take approximately 5-7 minutes.
Step Two
Add the chopped collard greens to the pot. Stir occasionally and cook until the collard greens have wilted. This should take approximately 7-10 minutes.
Step Three
Pour in the vegetable broth. Then, add in the white beans, bay leaves, dried thyme, and paprika. Stir the soup until all the ingredients are well combined.
Step Four
Bring the soup to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook, covered, for about 15-20 minutes or until the collard greens and vegetables are tender.
Step Five
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Add the juice of one lemon and stir. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Step Six
Serve the Vegetarian Collard Greens Soup hot. Enjoy!
