Couve Refogada (Garlicky Brazilian Collard Greens)
In short: Collard greens sliced into fine ribbons and stir-fried in hot oil with garlic, the bright green side that goes with feijoada. It takes about 16 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 6 min
- Total
- 16 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 130 kcal
Couve refogada is the sautéed collard green served with feijoada and on many Brazilian lunch plates. The key is the knife work: the leaves are stacked, rolled tightly and sliced into very thin ribbons, so they cook in just a few minutes. The pan is hot, the garlic goes in for seconds only, and the greens come out bright green, tender and glossy.
Instructions
- Wash the collard leaves and cut out the thick central ribs. Dry the leaves well.
- Stack 4 or 5 leaves, roll them tightly like a cigar and slice across into the thinnest ribbons you can, about 2 mm (1/16 in). Repeat with the rest.
- Heat the oil in a large wide skillet over high heat. Add the garlic and cook for 20 to 30 seconds, until fragrant and just pale gold. Do not let it brown.
- Add the greens in 2 handfuls, stirring after each. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, until wilted but still bright green.
- Season with the salt and serve at once, with lime wedges if you like.
Tips
- Slice the leaves as thin as you can with a very sharp knife. Thin ribbons cook in minutes and stay tender.
- Kale or Swiss chard can replace collards. Kale needs about 1 minute more in the pan.
Questions and answers
What do you serve couve refogada with?
Feijoada is the classic partner. It also goes with rice, beans, farofa and just about any Brazilian lunch plate.
Can I make it ahead?
It is best fresh, but leftovers keep in the fridge for 2 days. Reheat briefly in a hot pan, though the color will dull.
How do I keep the greens bright green?
Use high heat, cook them briefly and keep the pan uncovered. Serve right away, because they dull as they sit.
How long does it take to make Couve Refogada (Garlicky Brazilian Collard Greens)?
About 16 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 6 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Couve Refogada (Garlicky Brazilian Collard Greens)?
About 130 kcal per serving, with 3 g of protein, 7 g of carbohydrates and 10 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 130 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
