Meatless and Marvelous
Collard Greens Soup
Want to add some pizzazz to a bowl of classic meatless Southern collard greens soup, try this! Greek yogurt brings that rich creamy element, Calabrian chili sauce adds fruity, super-spicy notes, and plenty homemade croutons nail it with a buttery crunch.
This simple, easy soup is so satisfying… (almost) no one will miss the ham. It is chock-full of nutrient-rich collard greens where cannellini beans, carrots, and celery play a supporting role. Onion and garlic provide aromatic and savory undertones, thyme and oregano bring those lovely herbal qualities, where a very flavorful vegetable broth is essential to the recipe.
Meatless Collard Greens Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 T. olive oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced on bias
- 1 celery rib, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 t. red chili flakes
- 6 c. flavorful vegetable broth
- a few fresh thyme sprigs
- 1/2 t. dried oregano
- 1 large bunch collard greens, rinsed, ribs removed, and rough chopped
- 1 can cannellini beans, drained
- 2 T. apple cider vinegar
- sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
Method
Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until it softens then add carrot and celery, and cook another few minutes, stirring occasionally. Finally add garlic and chili flakes for another minute.
Add broth and herbs then bring to a boil. Add collard greens turn the heat back down to medium-low and cook for 20 minutes. Remove the thyme sticks. Add cannellini beans and cook another 10 minutes. Add vinegar. Taste for salt and pepper.
Homemade Croutons
Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut leftover homemade Artisan Bread into cubes. Place cubes in a large bowl and toss with an equal mixture of melted butter and olive oil until nicely coated but not soggy. Then season with sea salt, fresh ground pepper, and garlic powder. Toss again to distribute seasonings.
Spread the cubes on a baking sheet in an even layer. Bake until crispy and golden (about 15 minutes), tossing once halfway through.
To Plate
- full-fat greek yogurt
- calabrian chili sauce
- homemade croutons
Ladle hot soup into bowls. Top with a dollop of yogurt, a spoonful of chili sauce, and plenty croutons.
Soup Bowl and Soup Pot
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More Meatless & Marvelous Soups
Two Vegetarian Hominy Soups (Pozole)
Broccoli and White Bean Soup, Tempeh Croutons