Pasta With Collard Greens and Onions Recipe (2024)

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Cooking Notes

Joe Napolitano

This is a great staple I make often. The greens can be substituted with anything on hand; escarole is traditional, but kale or chard are great too.
While sautéing the onion (shallot can be used too) add a splash of dry white wine.
To really make a meal of it I add a can of white cannellini beans.
Top with fresh parsley, black pepper and plenty of pecorino Romano.

Carolyn

Excellent suggestion to add cannellini beans. This recipe could be renamed "CSA Box Pasta", because it provides a delicious use for the abundant amount of greens we receive in our box each week.

Jane

Liked this a lot. Simple and delicious. Use only fresh collards. Don't make adding red pepper flakes an option. Add and enjoy.

Diane

I must say, this was one of the most enjoyable pasta dishes I've had in a long time. It was so light and very tasty. I wouldn't change a thing other than experiment with different types of pasta. I did add a drizzle of olive oil on top of the dish once the Parmesan was on. This was really quite simple and didn't require too much time.

sjd

My second or third time making this recipe and tweaked it some. I added white beans and a splash of white wine as others suggested, doubled the onion because my batch of farmers market collards was enormous, and lastly, added some agave syrup at the end when I found the collards still slightly bitter. Fantastic dish, both earthy and delicious.

Brendan

Followed my instincts and stewed the greens and onions a lot longer than the recipe called for, then finished by combining the greens and pasta in a hot pan and reducing with olive oil, lemon juice, a hit of white wine and pasta water. Result was beautiful, bright and just a little creamy. I can't see tossing it all together and serving it after 15-20 minutes; there's no way those greens are done.

Patrick

Added a couple tablespoons of yogurt to make for a richer sauce, quite nice

MaryG

This is one of my favorite dishes! It’s great as I, but I usually switch the onions to leeks (because they’re amazing), and add pine nuts at the end for protein. So good!

Theresa SF Bay Area

This was fantastic with butternut squash ravioli. Wow.

Framk

I make this often with collards, kale, or a combo of greens with chopped tomato or 2 to add more liquid when with onions are cooking.Also very good over rice or cooked grains.

Peter

This is probably the lightest pasta dish I've ever eaten, and it's absolutely delicious. For the pasta, I used red-lentil penne, which I bought from Trader Joe's. It gave this dish a shot of additional protein and allowed the subtle lentil flavors to come to the forefront.

Katty

Me too! But it would also work without them. Soo good!

LB

Exactly why I found this recipe!

condiment queen

High satisfaction to effort ratio. Cool collards for 10-15 minutes.

Ona Colasante

When the collard harvest is huge, I blanch and freeze them in ziplock bags. Martha Rose Schulman is my favorite cookbook writer. This is one of her many practical, delicious recipes that utilize what I grow. But her palate is too sensitive for me--I add MUCH more in the way of seasonings. And (as my Italian father said), "You never have too much garlic." Go for the cannellini beans, add some oregano, and use all your fresh garlic. I tossed these collards with home-made cavatelli--wonderful.

judys

We enjoyed this. I cut recipe in half for just two. I used a leek instead of onion, and homemade chicken broth instead of water to cook the collards. Otherwise followed exactly. Served with Alison Roman’s parsley and fennel salad and nice Italian white wine on deck. Lovely!

judys

Also, I sautéed some chanterelle mushrooms from the farmers market and put on top. Nice addition!!

Allyson Smith

Delicious. I added mushrooms that needed to be used up, but this would be delicious with or without that addition. Thank you for this wonderful recipe!!

Ken in Boise

As others have noted, a perfect, delicious recipe to use CSA greens…collards, kale, what have you. Adding some toasted pine nuts on top after plating provides a satisfying crunch. Tonight’s dish was also enhanced with a teaspoon or two of cranberry salsa macha….more crunch and spice! This is one of our favorite summer dishes.

Nathan

I like this recipe. I am a devoted collard green lover looking for a different way to enjoy my collards - using pasta was perfect. Simple, easy-to-execute recipe; I added a few favors, like two types of gluten-free pasta and sweet tomatoes. I plan to experiment with this dish using different vegetables, fresh herbs, and protein.

Sunny

Used chicken stock instead of water & pasta water( simply, I forgot to save it), which was just fine.It was delicious with BBQ’ed salmon. I made them twice already. Simple & tasty. Perfect.

Vicki K

great "home cooking" type dish that comes together easily. Added some leftover ham and used 8 ounces of pasta which made it a hearty main dish. Crushed red pepper keeps any blandness away. Definitely a keeper!

Jim

This has been a family favorite for years. We sometimes add a dab of anchovy paste while the collards are cooking. Delicious either way.

Sarah

This was really good, def longer than 35 minutes. Made w/ a few modifications: blanched the collards for 3 minutes, layered and put in the freezer to cool. Didn’t squeeze out the water, to keep nutrients, or add water when cooking. Doubled the garlic and red pepper flakes. Also added the white wine vinegar and chicken broth, as recommended. Cut up most of the stems in .5” pieces and added to the pasta water during the last few minutes. The 8oz of penne was more than enough pasta.

James

I thought this was fine. It was an easy quick weeknight dinner.

Peggie

I follow the recipe exactly and have prepared it many times. Easy and delicious!

Jo B

Very good. Added sausage (with onions). Needed a bit of sugar and added a bit of wine.

JanisV

So good! I added cannellini beans as suggested by others, plus a squeeze of lemon at the end. My only in-house pasta was orzo & I was a bit skeptical, but ended up great. Next time I’ll use 2 bunches of collards. Re: cooking time - followed recipe & didn’t need extra cooking time for greens & onions.

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Pasta With Collard Greens and Onions Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What does adding vinegar to collard greens do? ›

This might seem like an unusual addition if you're new to making collard greens, but the vinegar adds a welcome tangy note that brightens the dish and balances out the salty, savory flavors. A tablespoon of sugar also helps balance out the greens' potential bitterness.

What do you soak collard greens in before cooking? ›

Here's how to properly wash collard greens.
  1. Fill your sink with water, and then add 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar and 3 tablespoons salt. ( ...
  2. Swish this around, and then submerged your greens in the water. ...
  3. Let the greens soak for 20-30 minutes, giving them a good scrub midway.
Aug 1, 2021

What can you add to canned collard greens to make them taste better? ›

Common additions include garlic, onions, smoked meat (such as bacon or ham hocks), hot sauce, or vinegar.

What are the best ingredients to add to pasta? ›

Now's the time to get really creative with your pasta. Add in some chopped olives or jarred tapenade, quartered artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes in oil, capers, sliced pickled chiles or roasted red peppers, drained canned tuna or other tinned seafood.

What takes the bitterness out of collard greens? ›

The foods that help reduce bitterness are:
  • Salt while cooking and/or while eating (like on bitter salad greens)
  • Sweet or Spicy.
  • Sour or Acids like lemon or vinegar.
  • Long cooking like braising (think southern collard greens that are cooked for hours)
  • Blanch first.
Jul 7, 2021

Why do people put baking soda in collard greens? ›

In the case of collard greens, baking soda's utility is threefold, serving as a flavor enhancer, a tenderizer, and a color protector. Baking soda is an alkali salt possessing the tenderizing and flavor-enhancing properties of regular salt.

Can you put too much water in collard greens? ›

Make sure you let the water drain out of you collard greens as much as possible. Too much water in your pot will ruin your greens. In a stock pot add Oive Oil, Onion, Green pepper, and Turkey bacon (or your choice of turkey or pork).

What tenderizes collard greens? ›

All you need to do is add a teaspoon of baking soda to your boiling water or stock to ensure that your collard greens are flavorful, tender, and vibrant.

Can you overcook collard greens? ›

It is important to not overcook collard greens or kale, as they tend to give off a sulfur smell and taste bitter. Cut the leaves into one-half inch strips and steam for 5 minutes on the stove. Collard greens make a great addition to eggs and bean soup or can be served alone as a steamed vegetable with a dressing.

How to make the best tasting greens? ›

  1. Shake With Cold Water and Ice. For some of the best-tasting greens, all you need is some ice and a good shake. ...
  2. Mix With Juice. ...
  3. Mix With a Sports Drink or Electrolyte Powder. ...
  4. Mix With Tea. ...
  5. Add Honey. ...
  6. Add Cocoa. ...
  7. Blend Into a Smoothie. ...
  8. Try Sparkling Water.
Aug 16, 2023

What makes greens taste good? ›

Adding Flavor to Cooking Greens

Use chicken broth for the cooking liquid instead of water. Add chopped onions, garlic, or bacon to the cooking liquid.

What is the secret to good pasta? ›

Season the pasta water

After filling your pot with water, season generously with salt. Don't worry, it won't all soak into the pasta. It also won't bring your cooking water to a boil faster! Adding salt means more savory, flavorful results when the pasta is cooked.

What not to do when making pasta? ›

5 Things We Never Do When Making Pasta
  1. Use a small pot to boil the pasta.
  2. Neglect to salt the water.
  3. Forget to give the pasta a stir or two as it cooks.
  4. Cook it past al dente.
  5. Dump out all of the pasta water.
May 1, 2019

What gives pasta more flavor? ›

Fresh basil is the natural choice with simple pasta sauces like marinara, but parsley, cilantro, and even mint can also give pasta dishes a burst of fragrant flavor when they're sprinkled on just before serving.

Does vinegar take the bitterness out of greens? ›

Acids, like vinegar and citrus juice, help to brighten up bitter greens and provide a light contrasting flavor.

What to do if I put too much vinegar in my greens? ›

Sourness comes from acidic ingredients (including tomatoes, wine and vinegar). If your dish tastes too sour try to add sweetness—think sugar, honey (it's healthy!), cream or even caramelized onions. You can also dilute the dish (same as you would with a dish with too much salt).

What can I add to greens to make it taste better? ›

12 Ways to Make Greens Powder Taste Better, According to a...
  1. Shake (with Ice), Don't Stir.
  2. Blend It Up in a Smoothie.
  3. Mix with Your Favorite Sweeter Beverage.
  4. Try Some Bubbles (and a Splash of Juice)
  5. Make Popsicles.
  6. Add It to an Energy Bite Recipe.
  7. Combine it with Your Go-to Warm Beverage.
Apr 22, 2024

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