Collard Greens with Smoked Tofu
Smoked tofu, in particular, works beautifully with collard greens' assertive, slightly bitter flavor. This recipe is a study in opposites attracting: Sweet potatoes and smoky tofu provide countervailing flavors, while the collard greens add a touch of bitterness to balance them out.
In the realm of Southern cooking, there's hardly a more iconic duo than collard greens and smoked pork. But what if you're looking for a meatless version of this classic dish? Enter smoked tofu, a plant-based protein that mimics the smoky, savory flavor of pork without the animal products. This recipe is a love letter to the harmonious marriage of collard greens and smoked tofu. It starts with a savory base of sautéed onions and garlic, to which we add the hearty collard greens, sweet potatoes, and crumbled smoked tofu. A splash of vegetable broth brings it all together, creating a flavorful broth that infuses every bite with goodness. As the collard greens simmer, they release their characteristic bitterness, which is beautifully balanced by the sweetness of the potatoes and the smokiness of the tofu. The result is a dish that's both satisfying and complex, perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly night.
Collard Greens with Smoked Tofu Collard Greens with Smoked Tofu Collard Greens with Smoked Tofu Collard Greens with Smoked Tofu
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 bunch collard greens, washed and chopped
  • 1/2 block smoked tofu, crumbled
  • 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and cook until softened.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  4. Add the collard greens, sweet potato, and smoked tofu to the skillet.
  5. Pour in the vegetable broth.
  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the collard greens are tender.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve and enjoy!
Why It Works
  • Collard greens are a hearty green that can stand up to long cooking times, making them ideal for this slow-simmered dish.
  • Smoked tofu adds a rich, smoky flavor that mimics the taste of pork without the animal products.
  • Sweet potatoes provide a touch of sweetness to balance out the bitterness of the collard greens.
  • Vegetable broth adds moisture and flavor to the dish, creating a flavorful broth that infuses every bite with goodness.