Vegan Braised Collard Greens With Mushrooms

Step 1

Make the stock: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. When hot, add the rosemary and thyme, and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the mushrooms, carrot, onion, celery, bay leaf and dried shiitakes and stir so the vegetables are coated in oil. Add 5 cups water, then bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain, reserving the rehydrated dried shiitakes. Cut the shiitakes into 1/4-inch cubes and set aside. Taste the broth and adjust salt as necessary.

Step 3

Make the collards: In a large pot with a lid, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add red-pepper flakes, sliced mushrooms and reserved shiitakes from the broth. Cook until mushrooms are deeply brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the salt, onions and smoked paprika and cook until soft, about 5 more minutes.

Step 4

Pour in the mushroom stock and bring to a boil. Add the collard greens in large handfuls, pressing them down to wilt in the hot stock before adding more leaves.

Step 5

Turn the heat down to medium-low to simmer, then cover the pot and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, until the greens are silky and tender. Stir in soy sauce, starting with 1 tablespoon, and maple syrup. Taste the greens and adjust salt and sweetness as necessary. Serve with lemon wedges for a sour finish.