Are you looking for a delicious and healthy twist on a classic Southern comfort food? Look no further! This Collard Greens Gumbo recipe is a vibrant, flavorful, and surprisingly easy dish to make. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe combines the heartiness of collard greens with the rich depth of a traditional gumbo. It’s a fantastic example of homemade cooking that's both satisfying and good for you – a delicious dish the whole family will love. Get ready to experience the best of Southern cuisine with a healthy, exciting upgrade!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes about 6 servings.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced (Andouille preferred, but any smoked sausage works)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 pound collard greens, stems removed and chopped
- Salt to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
Get started: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. This will be where all the magic happens!
Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Don't be afraid to let those veggies get a nice golden color; it adds to the flavor.
Add the sausage and aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and sliced smoked sausage. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the sausage is lightly browned. The smoky flavor will really build the base of the gumbo.
Build the base: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Add the collard greens: Add the chopped collard greens to the pot and stir well to combine. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 15-20 minutes, or until the collard greens are tender. If the gumbo seems too thick, add a little more broth. If it's too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce.
Season and serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Season the gumbo with salt to taste. Serve hot over cooked rice. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley makes a beautiful garnish.
Cooking Tips:
- For a spicier gumbo, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as okra, corn, or potatoes.
- If you don’t have smoked sausage, you can use Andouille sausage or even chicken.
- For a smoother gumbo, you can blend a portion of the gumbo with an immersion blender before adding the collard greens. This will give a slightly creamier texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Shrimp Collard Greens Gumbo: Add 1 pound of cooked shrimp during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Vegetarian Collard Greens Gumbo: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. You could add some mushrooms or lentils for extra protein and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 300-350
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fiber: 8-10g
This Collard Greens Gumbo is a healthy and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. It's a great example of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, proving that delicious dishes and healthy meals can go hand in hand. Enjoy!