1- Getting these vegan collard greens just right is all about following a few straightforward steps, and I promise it’ll feel like second nature once you start. Begin by coating a large deep skillet or pot with vegetable oil, then sauté that diced onion over medium heat until it’s nearly tender. This sets the stage for all those wonderful flavors to blend.

2- Next, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s nice and fragrant that’s what makes the dish pop. Pour in the vegetable broth, seasoning it with smoked salt and red pepper flakes, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, add the collard greens, and let them wilt down as they simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours without boiling.

3- Keep an eye on the pot and add more broth if needed to keep things moist. Once the greens turn tender, dark green, and lose that raw edge, it’s time for final tweaks. Adjust with more smoked salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and maybe a dash of hot sauce or vinegar for that perfect finish. The whole process takes about 1 hour of cooking time and around 1 hour and 20 minutes total, making it doable even on a weeknight.