A luscious cashew cream sauce coats wilted greens infused with onion and garlic for an indulgent-tasting holiday vegan “creamed” greens side dish. Sauces like this often require soaking the nuts overnight, but microwaving them for a few minutes achieves the same effect — and you don’t have to remember to prep ahead. For ease and convenience, purchase pre-sliced or pre-shredded collard greens.
Collard greens are a great source of fiber and antioxidants, making them a wonderful choice as a side for a decadent meal.
Active time: 33 minutes Total time: 33 minutes
Vegan “Creamed” Greens
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups (178g) whole raw cashews
- 6 garlic cloves, divided
- 1 1/4 cups (296ml) plain unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups (176g) chopped yellow onion
- 2 pounds (907g) collard greens, thinly sliced
Directions
Place cashews and 3 garlic cloves in a medium microwave-safe bowl; cover with 2/3 cups (159ml) water. Microwave on high for 5 minutes. Drain. In a blender, combine cashew-garlic mixture, almond milk, salt and pepper. Blend on high speed until completely smooth, 1–2 minutes.
Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add oil to the pan and swirl to coat. Add onion to pan. Finely chop the remaining 3 garlic cloves and add to the pan; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add collard greens and water. Increase heat to medium-high, cover and cook until greens are tender, stirring occasionally, 12–15 minutes. Add blended cashew mixture; stir well to coat.
Serves: 8 | Serving Size: About 3/4 cup
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 186; Total Fat: 11g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 7g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 297mg; Carbohydrate: 15g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 3g; Protein 7g
Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 273mg; Iron: 7%; Vitamin A: 2%; Vitamin C: 3%; Calcium: 184%
Originally published November 2020, updated November 2022
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