1-Getting started with this vegan collard greens recipe is straightforward and fun, just like chatting over a family dinner. First, coat a large deep skillet or pot with vegetable oil to build a flavorful base. Then, sauté the diced onions over medium heat until they’re nearly tender, which takes about 3-5 minutes to get that sweet aroma going.

2-Next, add the minced garlic and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Pour in the vegetable broth, seasoning it with the smoked salt and red pepper flakes, and give it a taste to adjust as needed since this broth is what flavors the greens. Bring it to a simmer, reduce the heat, and add the collard greens, which will start to wilt as they cook.

3-Simmer for 1 to 1½ hours without boiling, stirring occasionally and adding more vegetable broth if the pot gets too dry. After about 30 to 45 minutes, check for tenderness; the greens should be dark green, tender, and without any raw taste. Finally, adjust seasoning with more smoked salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and a dash of hot sauce if you like, then serve hot. The total prep and cooking time is around 1 hour 20 minutes, but it might vary based on your equipment.