Collard Greens & Browned Onions

This savory side transforms collard greens into a complex, flavorful dish. The secret is the caramelized onions, which are slow-cooked to develop a deep, jammy sweetness that balances the greens' natural earthiness.

Ingredients:

¼ cup olive oil, plus more if needed

2 medium onions, peeled and sliced into half rings (about 2 cups)

1 ½ tsp salt, divided, plus more as needed

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 inch piece of ginger, grated

¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional, plus more to taste

2 bunches collard greens, stemmed and sliced into ¾-inch ribbons

¼ cup water, plus more if needed

1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar, plus more to taste

½ tsp black pepper, plus more to taste

Equipment:

Chef’s knife

Cutting board

Large skillet with lid

Grater

Bowls

Measuring cups and spoons

Wooden spatula or spoon

Ingredients:

¼ cup olive oil, plus more if needed

2 medium onions, peeled and sliced into half rings (about 2 cups)

1 ½ tsp salt, divided, plus more as needed

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 inch piece of ginger, grated

¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional, plus more to taste

2 bunches collard greens, stemmed and sliced into ¾-inch ribbons

¼ cup water, plus more if needed

1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar, plus more to taste

½ tsp black pepper, plus more to taste

Equipment:

Chef’s knife

Cutting board

Large skillet with lid

Grater

Bowls

Measuring cups and spoons

Wooden spatula or spoon

Directions:

  1. Gather all the ingredients and equipment. Wash the produce and prepare it as detailed in the ingredients list.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, onion, and 1 tsp salt. Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft, about 15 minutes.
  3. Remove the lid and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the onions are a deep caramel color, about 20 minutes more.
  4. Move the onions to the side to create a small space at the bottom of the pot. There should be a puddle of oil there; if not, add a little bit of oil and stir in the garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes, if using. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, then mix with the onions.
  5. Then, add half of the collard greens, water, and the remaining ½ tsp salt. Mix with the onions and cook until the collards have wilted. Add the rest and mix well.
  6. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook until the greens are tender, about 15 minutes. Add in the vinegar and black pepper. Taste, adjust and enjoy!