Prepare the Skillet: Coat a large, deep skillet or pot with vegetable oil, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
Sauté Onions: Place the skillet over medium heat and sauté the onions until they're nearly tender and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Add Garlic: Add minced garlic into the skillet, stirring continuously, and cook until the onion and garlic mixture becomes fragrant, typically about 2-3 minutes.
Add Vegetable Broth: Pour the vegetable broth into the skillet, ensuring it covers the onion and garlic mixture adequately.
Season The Broth: Season the broth with smoked salt and red pepper flakes according to taste preferences. Good stir to distribute the flavors evenly. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed, ensuring the broth has a robust flavor profile.
Simmer: Bring the broth mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer.
Cook The Greens: Add the prepared collard greens to the simmering broth, ensuring they're submerged. They will gradually wilt down as they cook.
Simmer The Greens: Allow the collard greens to simmer in the broth for approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, ensuring they're tender and flavorful. Avoid boiling, as this may overcook the greens. Add more vegetable broth if needed to maintain an adequate liquid level in the skillet.
Final Seasoning: Taste the collard greens and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Add more smoked salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce according to personal preference.
Serve: Once the collard greens are cooked to perfection, serve them hot as a delightful side dish or main course. Optionally, offer hot sauce or vinegar on the side for an extra kick of flavor. Enjoy your delicious Vegan Collard Greens!