Smoky Collard Greens Soup Recipe: 15-Minute Flavor Bomb

There’s just something about a big bowl of soup, isn’t there? Especially when it’s cold outside. This Smoky Collard Greens Soup Recipe Easy Healthy Vegetarian is like a warm hug in a bowl, plus it’s packed with all sorts of good-for-you stuff! I swear, I crave this soup the minute the leaves start to change. It’s seriously the *best* way to get my greens in during the colder months.

You know, I’ve been making this soup for years, tweaking it here and there until I got it *just* right. My grandma always made collard greens, but not like this! I added the smoky paprika and red potatoes. Total game changer. Trust me, even if you think you don’t like collard greens, you gotta give this soup a try. It’s a simple recipe, but the flavor is anything but!

Why You’ll Love This Smoky Collard Greens Soup Recipe Easy Healthy Vegetarian

Okay, so why should *you* make this soup? Let me tell you!

Quick and Easy

Seriously, this soup doesn’t take all day. We’re talking about 15 minutes of prep and then just let it simmer! Couldn’t be easier!

Healthy and Vegetarian

Packed with veggies and plant-based protein, this soup is actually good for you. No guilt here!

Packed with Smoky Flavor

The smoked paprika is the star, trust me. It gives the soup that *oomph* that’ll have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!).

Budget-Friendly Meal

You don’t need fancy ingredients for this recipe. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to save a few bucks, which is always a good thing, right?

Ingredients for Your Smoky Collard Greens Soup Recipe Easy Healthy Vegetarian

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Don’t worry, you probably have a lot of this stuff already. I always do! The key is using good quality ingredients – it really makes a difference, especially with the spices. Oh, and fresh collard greens? Non-negotiable!

The Essentials for Smoky Collard Greens Soup Recipe Easy Healthy Vegetarian

So, you’ll need a bunch of collard greens (about a pound), vegetable broth (6 cups!), a can of kidney beans (drained and rinsed, of course!), and definitely don’t forget the smoked paprika. That’s what gives it that amazing smoky flavor! You’ll also need an onion (diced), carrots (sliced), celery (chopped), red potatoes (chopped too!), garlic, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, red wine vinegar, and salt and pepper. Got it? Good!

How to Make Smoky Collard Greens Soup Recipe Easy Healthy Vegetarian: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, let’s get cooking! Don’t be intimidated – this Smoky Collard Greens Soup Recipe Easy Healthy Vegetarian is seriously easy to throw together. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious, healthy soup in no time!

Preparing the Vegetables

First things first, prep those veggies! Dice your onion, slice the carrots (not too thick!), and chop the celery. Mince the garlic – I like to use a garlic press, but chopping it finely works too. And don’t forget the red potatoes! Chop them into bite-sized pieces, about ½ to 1 inch. Now, the collard greens: remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces as well. It seems like a lot, but trust me, it’s worth it!

Building the Flavor of Your Smoky Collard Greens Soup Recipe Easy Healthy Vegetarian

Now for the good stuff! Grab a big pot and drizzle in the olive oil. Let it heat up for a minute over medium heat. Then, add the onion, carrots, and celery. We’re gonna “sweat” them – that just means cooking them until they start to soften, about 10 minutes. Stir them occasionally so they don’t burn! Once they’re soft, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute, until it smells amazing. Careful not to burn the garlic – that’s a flavor killer!

Simmering to Perfection

Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the chopped collard greens, potatoes, kidney beans, dried thyme, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Give it a good stir! Crank up the heat and bring the soup to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low so it’s just simmering gently. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring now and then, until those greens are tender and the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork. The greens will lose some of their bright green color – that’s how you know they’re ready!

Finishing Touches of Your Smoky Collard Greens Soup Recipe Easy Healthy Vegetarian

Take the pot off the heat. Stir in the red wine vinegar – it adds a nice little tang! Then, season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy! Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking. And that’s it! Ladle the soup into bowls, top with some fresh chives (if you want!), and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Smoky Collard Greens Soup Recipe Easy Healthy Vegetarian

Want to take this Smoky Collard Greens Soup Recipe Easy Healthy Vegetarian to the *next level*? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my favorite tricks for making it absolutely perfect.

Adjusting the Smoky Flavor

Okay, so the smoked paprika is key, but you can totally play around with it! If you want even *more* smokiness, try using a different kind of smoked paprika, like a spicier one. Or, for a really intense flavor, add a tiny drop of liquid smoke. Careful, though – a little goes a long way!

Achieving the Right Consistency

Some people like a chunky soup, and some like it smooth. If you’re in the smooth camp, grab your immersion blender and give the soup a whirl! Just be careful – hot soup splatters! Blend it until it’s as smooth as you like. I usually leave a few chunks for texture, but it’s totally up to you!

Ingredient Substitutions for Smoky Collard Greens Soup Recipe Easy Healthy Vegetarian

Don’t have kidney beans? No problem! Cannellini beans or even black-eyed peas would work great. And if you can’t find collard greens (or just don’t like them!), kale or even spinach would be a fine substitute. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly – spinach cooks *much* faster than collard greens!

Variations on this Smoky Collard Greens Soup Recipe Easy Healthy Vegetarian

Okay, so you’ve made the basic Smoky Collard Greens Soup Recipe Easy Healthy Vegetarian, and you’re loving it! But what if you want to mix things up a little? No problem! Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Adding Protein

Want to make this soup even heartier? Toss in some protein! Cubed tofu (either baked or pan-fried) is a great option. Or, for something a little different, try tempeh! Just crumble it up and add it to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking. So good!

Making it Spicy

If you like a little heat, this soup is the perfect canvas! Add a pinch (or a whole lot!) of red pepper flakes. Or, for a more complex flavor, try adding a chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper. And if you’re *really* brave, a dash of your favorite hot sauce will do the trick!

Different Vegetables in Your Smoky Collard Greens Soup Recipe Easy Healthy Vegetarian

Feel free to raid your fridge and toss in whatever veggies you have on hand! Bell peppers (any color!) would be delicious. Zucchini, yellow squash, even some chopped green beans would all work great. Just add them along with the collard greens and let them simmer until tender. Easy peasy!

Serving Suggestions for Smoky Collard Greens Soup Recipe Easy Healthy Vegetarian

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Smoky Collard Greens Soup Recipe Easy Healthy Vegetarian ready to go. But what should you serve *with* it? Here are a few of my go-to pairings. Trust me, they’re all delicious!

Bread

Gotta have bread with soup, right? A crusty loaf of sourdough is always a winner. Or, for something a little different, try cornbread! It’s the perfect complement to the smoky flavor.

Salad

Keep it simple with a green salad. A little bit of lettuce, some tomatoes, maybe a cucumber – that’s all you need! A light vinaigrette is the perfect dressing.

Toppings

A dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt adds a nice creamy touch. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, try a sprinkle of shredded cheese! A little bit of freshness on top really makes a difference!

Storing and Reheating Your Smoky Collard Greens Soup Recipe Easy Healthy Vegetarian

Alright, so you’ve made a big batch of this Smoky Collard Greens Soup Recipe Easy Healthy Vegetarian (good for you!), and you’ve got leftovers. No problem! Here’s how to keep it fresh and reheat it like a pro!

Storage

Let the soup cool down a bit first – don’t put it in the fridge piping hot, okay? Then, just pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Easy peasy!

Reheating

You’ve got options! You can reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring now and then, until it’s nice and hot. Or, if you’re in a hurry, zap it in the microwave! Just be sure to cover it so it doesn’t splatter everywhere. Nobody wants a soup explosion, right?

Frequently Asked Questions About This Smoky Collard Greens Soup Recipe Easy Healthy Vegetarian

Got questions about this Smoky Collard Greens Soup Recipe Easy Healthy Vegetarian? I bet you do! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked, so hopefully, this clears things up!

Can I freeze this Smoky Collard Greens Soup Recipe Easy Healthy Vegetarian?

Yep! This soup freezes like a dream. Just let it cool completely, pop it into a freezer-safe container (leave a little room at the top, since liquids expand when frozen), and it’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual. Easy!

How long does this Smoky Collard Greens Soup Recipe Easy Healthy Vegetarian last in the fridge?

If you’re not planning on freezing it, this soup will stay good in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s stored in an airtight container, and you’re good to go!

Can I make this Smoky Collard Greens Soup Recipe Easy Healthy Vegetarian in a slow cooker?

You bet! Just toss everything (except the red wine vinegar) into your slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the greens and potatoes are tender. Stir in the vinegar before serving. It’s so easy, it’s almost cheating!

Is this Smoky Collard Greens Soup Recipe Easy Healthy Vegetarian gluten-free?

As written, yes, this Smoky Collard Greens Soup Recipe Easy Healthy Vegetarian *should* be gluten-free. But always double-check your broth and spices to make sure they don’t have any hidden gluten. You never know!

Nutritional Information for Smoky Collard Greens Soup Recipe Easy Healthy Vegetarian

Okay, so what are you *really* getting when you eat this Smoky Collard Greens Soup Recipe Easy Healthy Vegetarian? Here’s a rough estimate (because, you know, it can vary!): About 250 calories, 8g fat, 10g protein, and 35g carbs per serving.

Try This Smoky Collard Greens Soup Recipe Easy Healthy Vegetarian Today!

Seriously, what are you waiting for? Make this soup! And hey, if you love it as much as I do, leave a comment or share a pic on social media! I wanna see!

Print