Brazilian Collard Greens: A Quick & Delicious Gluten-Free Side

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Brazilian Collard Greens: A Gluten-Free Delight

Ready to add a vibrant and healthy side dish to your meals? These Brazilian-style collard greens, or “couve à mineira,” are quick, easy, and packed with flavor. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and perfect for any occasion. Let’s get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 large bunch (about 10 ounces) collard greens
• 1 ½ tablespoons extra-virgin extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 medium cloves garlic, pressed or minced
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to your spice preference)
• A couple lemon wedges, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Collard Greens

   First, you’ll need to prep the collard greens. Remove the thick central rib from each leaf. This ensures a more tender texture. Stack the de-ribbed leaves on top of each other.

2. Roll and Slice

   Starting at one end, tightly roll the stacked leaves into a cigar shape. Using a sharp knife, slice across the roll as thinly as possible—about ⅛ to ¼ inch. This creates long, thin strands. After slicing, fluff the greens to separate the strands.

3. Heat the Skillet

   Place a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works great!) over medium-high heat. Add the extra-virgin olive oil to the skillet and let it heat until it shimmers.

4. Sauté the Greens

   Add all of the sliced collard greens and the sea salt to the hot skillet. Stir well to coat the greens evenly with the oil. Let the greens cook for about 30 seconds without stirring, allowing them to make contact with the hot pan. This helps to develop a slight browning.

5. Continue Cooking

   Continue stirring the greens in 30-second intervals. Cook until they are wilted, a deep green color, and some edges start to brown. This process usually takes between 3 to 6 minutes. The browning adds a delicious, slightly crispy texture.

6. Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes

   When the collard greens are almost done, add the pressed or minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to distribute the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

7. Serve Immediately

   Remove the skillet from the heat. Immediately divide the cooked collard greens onto plates. Serve each portion with a fresh lemon wedge for squeezing. The lemon juice adds a bright, zesty finish that perfectly complements the greens.

Tips for the Perfect Brazilian Collard Greens

• Thin Slices: The key to tender collard greens is to slice them as thinly as possible.
• High Heat: Cooking at medium-high heat ensures the greens cook quickly and develop a nice browning.
• Freshness: Use fresh, vibrant collard greens for the best flavor and texture.

Gluten-Free Modifications

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure all your ingredients are free from gluten.

Serving Suggestions

These Brazilian collard greens make a fantastic side dish for a variety of meals. Here are a few ideas:

• Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or tofu.
• Pair with black beans and rice for a complete and nutritious meal.
• Add to pasta dishes for a boost of greens and flavor.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy Brazilian collard greens!

Brazilian Collard Greens: A Gluten-Free Delight

Embrace the vibrant flavors of Brazil with this quick and easy collard greens recipe! “Couve à Mineira,” as it’s known in Brazil, is a simple yet delicious side dish that perfectly complements any meal. Best of all, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for those with dietary restrictions.

Ingredients

• 1 large bunch (about 10 ounces) collard greens
• 1 ½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 medium cloves garlic, pressed or minced
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, scale back or omit if sensitive to spice)
• A couple lemon wedges, for serving

Nutritional Information and Gluten-Free Benefits

Collard greens are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants. Naturally gluten-free, collard greens are a fantastic way to add essential nutrients to your diet without worrying about gluten. For individuals with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, incorporating naturally gluten-free foods like collard greens is key to maintaining a healthy and balanced diet.

• Vitamins and Minerals: Abundant in Vitamin K, crucial for blood clotting and bone health. Also provides a good source of Vitamin A, supporting vision and immune function, and Vitamin C, an antioxidant that aids in skin health and immunity.
• Fiber: Aids digestion and promotes gut health.
• Antioxidants: Helps protect your body against damage from free radicals.

Tips, Substitutions, and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you customize this Brazilian Collard Greens recipe to your liking and dietary needs:

• Kale Substitute: If you don’t have collard greens on hand, kale makes an excellent substitute. The cooking time will remain about the same.
• Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference. For a milder flavor, omit them altogether.
• Garlic Lovers: Feel free to add an extra clove of garlic for a more intense garlic flavor.
• For a Vegan Option: This recipe is already vegan-friendly! Just ensure your olive oil is plant-based.
• Asian-Inspired Variation: Substitute the garlic with ½ teaspoon of grated ginger. After cooking, add a drizzle of gluten-free teriyaki sauce or a combination of 1 teaspoon of gluten-free tamari and ½ teaspoon of toasted sesame oil. Omit the lemon wedges for this variation.
• Add Some Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped roasted peanuts on top for added texture and flavor.
• Make it a Meal: Serve these collard greens with cooked black beans and rice for a complete and satisfying gluten-free meal.
• Oil Choice: While extra virgin olive oil is recommended, you can use other oils with high smoking points, such as avocado oil or coconut oil. Ensure that any oil you use is suitable for high-heat cooking to maintain the best flavor and nutritional profile. A good quality avocado oil can impart a neutral taste while offering health benefits.
• Salt Choice: The type of salt you use can subtly influence the flavor of your dish. Fine sea salt is recommended for its even distribution and clean taste. However, you can experiment with other types of salt such as Himalayan pink salt or kosher salt, adjusting the quantity to suit your taste preferences. A high-quality sea salt enhances the natural flavors of the collard greens.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Collard Greens: Cut out the thick center rib out of each collard green. Stack the rib-less greens and roll them up into a cigar-like shape. Slice over the “cigar” as thinly as possible (⅛″ to ¼″) to make long strands. Shake up the greens and give them a few chops so the strands aren’t so long.
2. Sauté the Greens: Heat a large, heavy-bottomed cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, then add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add all of the collard greens and the salt.
3. Cook the Collards: Stir until all of the greens are lightly coated in oil, then let them cook for about 30 seconds before stirring again. Continue stirring in 30-second intervals until the greens are wilted, dark green, and some are starting to turn brown on the edges (this is delicious). This will take between 3 to 6 minutes.
4. Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Once the collards are just about done, add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to break up the garlic and cook until it’s fragrant, about 30 seconds. Remove the pan from the heat.
5. Serve: Immediately divide the cooked collards onto plates, and serve with a lemon wedge each.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Brazilian Collard Greens! This simple and flavorful side dish is a perfect way to incorporate more greens into your gluten-free diet.

Essential Equipment for This Recipe

To prepare this delicious recipe, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• Mixing Bowls – A variety of sizes are helpful for different stages of mixing.
  Find Mixing Bowls on Amazon
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accurate measurements are key to a successful recipe.
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• Baking Sheets – Essential for baking cookies, roasting vegetables, and more.
  Find Baking Sheets on Amazon
• Whisks – Perfect for whipping cream or blending ingredients.
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• Spatulas – Use for scraping bowls and spreading batter.
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• Food Processors – Saves time and effort when chopping or pureeing ingredients.
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• Saucepans – Ideal for making sauces, soups, and more.
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• Chef’s Knives – A good quality knife makes food preparation safer and easier.
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• Cutting Boards – Protect your countertops while prepping ingredients.
  Find Cutting Boards on Amazon