One chilly evening, as the leaves were beginning to turn, I found myself yearning for something warm and comforting to wrap my hands around. That’s when the idea of a creamy soup took shape in my mind. I rummaged through my kitchen, and there it was— a bunch of vibrant collard greens waiting to be transformed. From that moment, the Best Cream of Collard Greens Soup was born, toeing the line between heartiness and indulgent creaminess.
What sets this soup apart, you ask? It’s not just the lush texture or the satisfying depth of flavor; it’s also the simplicity. Whipping up a batch takes little time, making it perfect for anyone looking to escape the monotony of fast food. With just a handful of ingredients like sautéed onions and garlic mingling with fresh greens and a splash of cream, this recipe is a symphony of flavors that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. So, let’s dive in and savor a bowl of warmth together!
Why is this Best Cream of Collard Greens Soup essential?
Creamy, velvety goodness: This soup features a luxuriously smooth texture, making it irresistible on chilly nights.
Quick preparation: With minimal ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, you can whip up this dish in no time, perfect for busy weeknights.
Nutrient-rich fuel: Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, this soup is not only delicious but nourishing, boosting your immune system and overall health.
Versatile and flexible: Customize it to your taste—throw in some spices or add protein for a heartier meal.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether for family dinner or a gathering with friends, this delightful soup is sure to impress everyone at the table!
Best Cream of Collard Greens Soup Ingredients
• Before we get cooking, here’s everything you’ll need to create this delectable dish that warms the heart!
For the Soup Base
- Collard greens – Already washed and chopped, these greens add a robust flavor and are the star of our Best Cream of Collard Greens Soup.
- Onion – Diced to release sweet, aromatic flavors that set the foundation of your soup.
- Garlic – Minced to enhance the dish’s savory depth and aromatic profile.
- Vegetable broth – Provides a rich, flavorful liquid base; feel free to use homemade or store-bought.
For the Creaminess
- Heavy cream – Adds that luxurious touch; can be swapped for coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- Butter – Used for sautéing and adds richness; olive oil works perfectly for a dairy-free version, too.
Seasoning
- Salt – Essential for enhancing all the flavors in your soup, added to taste.
- Pepper – Freshly ground for an extra kick of flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (optional) – For a subtle heat, sprinkle on top before serving!
Now that you have everything prepped, let’s turn those ingredients into a heartwarming bowl of goodness!
How to Make Best Cream of Collard Greens Soup
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Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. This will create a rich base for your soup, filling your kitchen with a lovely aroma.
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Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion softens and turns translucent. This step enhances the soup’s flavor profile beautifully.
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Add the chopped collard greens to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. They’ll wilt down and turn a vibrant bright green—just what you want!
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Pour in the vegetable broth and let it come to a gentle simmer. Allow it to bubble for about 15-20 minutes, ensuring the collard greens become completely tender.
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Blend the soup using an immersion blender for 2-3 minutes until smooth. If you prefer, carefully transfer it to a regular blender in batches for that creamy texture.
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Return the pureed soup to the pot if you used a regular blender. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste for that perfect finishing touch.
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Simmer gently for another 5 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together. Your kitchen will be filled with mouthwatering scents!
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Ladle into bowls and garnish with red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread to soak it all up!
Optional: Top with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Best Cream of Collard Greens Soup?
Bring warmth and comfort to your dining table with delightful dishes that enhance this creamy, luscious soup experience.
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Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping, fresh-baked or toasted bread complements the soup’s richness and absorbs every drop of flavor.
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Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks: Their crunchy exterior and soft interior add a savory twist, making them a satisfying companion for your velvety soup.
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Simple Arugula Salad: The peppery freshness cuts through the creaminess of the soup, providing a refreshing balance with each bite.
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Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The gooey, melted cheese and crispy bread create a nostalgic pairing, enveloping you in coziness on a chilly day.
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Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness and caramelization enhance the savory depth of the soup, adding variety in both flavor and texture.
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Savory Quiche: A slice of quiche, filled with eggs and your choice of veggies, offers a delightful brunch-like element, enriching your soup experience.
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Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio: A glass of crisp white wine elevates your meal, matching the creamy flavor of the soup while adding a delightful sophistication.
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Apple Crisp: End the meal on a sweet note! The warm spices and buttery topping are a lovely way to finish, leaving everyone satisfied and cozy.
Make Ahead Options
These Best Cream of Collard Greens Soup are a lifesaver for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the soup base—sautéed onions, garlic, and collard greens—up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For those who like to plan even further ahead, the soup can be pureed and refrigerated for up to 3 days. To keep the soup’s flavors vibrant, avoid adding the cream until you reheat it. When it’s time to serve, just stir in the heavy cream as you warm it gently on the stove, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, homemade meal with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Best Cream of Collard Greens Soup
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Prep Ahead: Chop your collard greens and vegetables in advance. This saves time and makes cooking on busy nights even easier.
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Adjust Consistency: If your soup is too thick, add a little more broth or water to achieve your desired creaminess. Each batch may vary!
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Season Gradually: Start with a pinch of salt and pepper, tasting as you go. It’s easy to add more, but harder to fix overly salty soup.
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Blend Carefully: If using a regular blender, ensure you allow steam to escape when blending. This prevents a messy explosion and keeps your soup velvety smooth.
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Experiment with Add-Ins: To make the Best Cream of Collard Greens Soup even heartier, try adding beans or some diced cooked chicken for protein while keeping it tasty and wholesome.
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Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove and maintain that delicious creamy experience!
Storage Tips for Best Cream of Collard Greens Soup
Fridge: Store leftover collard greens soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its creamy texture and flavors.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed. Stir well to return its luscious consistency before serving!
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen soup in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave for a quick option.
Collard Greens Soup Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize this soup to fit your taste buds and dietary needs!
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Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream to achieve a creamy texture while keeping it plant-based. This adds a hint of tropical flavor!
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Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while sautéing the onions for a spicy twist. A subtle heat elevates the soup’s flavor profile.
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Protein Boost: Mix in some cooked diced chicken, turkey, or white beans for added protein. This not only makes it heartier but also transforms it into a complete meal.
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Flavorful Herbs: Toss in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary towards the end of cooking for an aromatic and fresh burst of flavor. This brightens up the dish beautifully!
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Smoky Flavor: Incorporate a few slices of smoked sausage or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to infuse a rich, smoky depth into the soup. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
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Texture Varieties: For a chunkier texture, reserve some of the sautéed vegetables and add them back into the soup after blending. This gives every bite something to chew on.
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Citrus Twist: Squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice just before serving to brighten the flavors. This tangy addition elevates the overall taste and refreshes the palate.
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Nutty Finish: Drizzle with a bit of toasted sesame oil or sprinkle chopped toasted nuts on top just before serving. This adds a delightful crunch and nuttiness to each bowl!
Best Cream of Collard Greens Soup Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best collard greens?
Absolutely! When selecting collard greens, look for vibrant, deep green leaves without dark spots or wilting. Fresh collards should be crisp and sturdy, and avoid any bunches with yellowed leaves, which can indicate age.
How should I store leftover collard greens soup?
After serving, let your Best Cream of Collard Greens Soup cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s always best to save your leftovers to enjoy later!
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes indeed! To freeze your soup, pour it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty resealable bags. Leave a little room for expansion as the liquid freezes. This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months—perfect for those cozy nights when you need a quick meal!
What should I do if my soup is too thick?
No worries at all! If your soup turns out thicker than you’d like, simply add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it. Heat gently over low heat while stirring until you reach your desired consistency. The more the merrier when it comes to soup!
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Definitely! The Best Cream of Collard Greens Soup can easily cater to different dietary needs. For a dairy-free option, simply swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use olive oil instead of butter. Always check for allergies related to the ingredients, especially if serving to guests.
Can I add protein to this soup?
Very much! To make the soup heartier, consider adding cooked beans, shredded chicken, or diced tofu during the simmering step. This not only enhances the soup’s nutritional profile but also makes it more filling—perfect for a complete meal!
Soul-Warming Best Cream of Collard Greens Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 3-4 minutes, until translucent.
- Add the chopped collard greens to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and let it come to a gentle simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
- Blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth.
- Return the pureed soup to the pot, stir in the heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer gently for another 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.