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This is my favorite dish of the moment. My cousin's wife from Brazil made these collard greens for me at Thanksgiving this year. It is a traditional Brazilian dish called couve. It is often served with Brazil's national dish feijoda, which is a stew of beef, pork and beans. I have been enjoying it at home with stone ground grits and a seared or grilled pork chop.
Collard greens are considered to be a very healthy food, which is perfect for me as I just started a diet. The K-J Culinary team is competing this year in a “biggest loser" contest and I am playing to win. Stay tuned for more healthy recipes and status on the competition.
This healthy and delicious dish pairs very well with Kendall-Jackson Cabernet Sauvignon.
What Are Brazilian-Style Collard Greens?
Brazilian-style collard greens, known locally as couve, are a staple in Brazil and a classic side dish for the country’s beloved feijoada—a rich stew of beef, pork, and beans. Unlike the slow-cooked Southern-style collards often simmered for hours, couve is quickly sautéed, keeping the leaves tender but still vibrant and slightly crisp. This method preserves the bright green color and fresh flavor of the greens, making it a lively addition to any meal. The simplicity of the preparation highlights the natural taste of the collards while letting the garlic and shallots shine through.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This Brazilian-style collard greens recipe is quick, healthy, and packed with flavor. In just a few minutes, the sautéed garlic and shallots infuse the greens with a savory aroma that makes your kitchen smell irresistible. It’s a versatile side that pairs beautifully with meats like pork chops, grilled chicken, or even hearty beans and grains for a vegetarian option. The fast cooking method keeps the greens tender yet vibrant, so you get both nutrition and delicious taste in every bite.
Key Ingredients for Flavorful Collard Greens
The magic of Brazilian-style collard greens is in the simplicity of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what makes this dish shine:
- Collard greens – Choose fresh, vibrant leaves. Remove the tough stems and julienne the leaves thinly for quick, even cooking.
- Garlic – Thinly sliced, it infuses the greens with a rich, aromatic flavor.
- Shallots – Add a subtle sweetness and depth that balances the garlicky punch.
- Olive oil – A good-quality olive oil carries the flavors and gives the greens a silky finish.
- Kosher salt – Enhances the natural taste of the greens without overpowering them.
Brazilian-Style Collard Greens
Recipe Type:
Side Dish
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
4 minutes
Total Time:
19 minutes
Servings:
6
Ingredients
- 5 Tbsp. olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced thin
- 3 shallots, sliced thin
- 2 bunches of collard greens, washed, stems removed and julienned (cut very thin)
- Kosher salt
Instructions
In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and cook the garlic and shallots until just beginning to brown.
Add the collards and cook until just wilted, approximately 2 to 4 minutes.
Season with salt and serve.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Variations and Add-Ins
While traditional Brazilian-style collard greens are simple and delicious on their own, you can easily customize the dish to suit your taste:
- Add bacon or pancetta – Fry small pieces first for a smoky, savory depth.
- Sprinkle chili flakes – Give your greens a gentle kick for a spicier side.
- Squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice – Brighten the flavor and add a refreshing tang.
- Mix in other leafy greens – Try kale, Swiss chard, or spinach for extra variety and color.
- Top with toasted nuts – Pine nuts or slivered almonds add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
These simple tweaks let you make the recipe your own while keeping the authentic Brazilian flair.
How to Pair Collard Greens with Wine
Brazilian-style collard greens have a savory, garlicky flavor that pairs beautifully with a bold, structured red wine. Kendall-Jackson Cabernet Sauvignon is an ideal match—the wine’s rich fruit-forward notes and smooth tannins complement the earthy greens while balancing the garlic and shallot flavors.
Whether you’re enjoying these greens alongside a pork chop, grilled steak, or hearty beans, a glass of Cabernet elevates the meal, making it feel both comforting and sophisticated. Plus, Kendall-Jackson offers a wide variety of other Cabernets, so whether you prefer lighter, fruitier styles or fuller-bodied options, there’s a Cabernet to suit your taste and enhance your dish.
