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Garlicky Greens

Garlicky Greens made and served in the glass Anyday dish, featuring tender greens sautéed with garlic for a flavorful and healthy side dish.
Garlicky Greens
PT3M PT4M

Prep Time

3 mins

Cook Time

4-5 mins

Free Time

to do a handstand

Treat this recipe as a template for microwaving greens: oil + aromatic (garlic, ginger, shallot, onion) + heat = a foolproof and delicious way to enjoy your vegetables. Choose your own adventure with any green you have on hand, and add a squeeze of lemon or pinch of spice before serving.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

American, Side Dishes, Vegetables, collard greens, Gluten-free, Vegan, Easy Thanksgiving, frozen spinach, garlic, greens, Holiday, Holiday Recipes, Kale, keto, paleo, Deep Dish, Shallow Dish, Spinach, Swiss Chard, thanksgiving, whole30 Side Dishes, Vegetables

What You’ll Need

What You’ll Need

The Medium Deep Dish

The best dish for 1-2 portions of grains, veggies, mac and cheese, ramen, and more.

The Anyhand Mitts

Handle hot Anyday dishes with care with these microwave mitts that double as trivets!
Try Anyday

Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

1-2
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Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

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To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

700w

Recommended 

Dish

The Medium Deep Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ tsp chili flakes, optional
  • 1 bunch Swiss chard or kale (between 100-150g), tough center and stem removed and cut into ribbons, rinsed
  • Lemon juice, to taste

Preparation

  1. Add the olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and chili flakes to an Anyday dish. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
  2. Cook in the microwave for  1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant.
  3. Add greens, packing them tightly into the dish — they will shrink as they cook! Cover and cook for  3-4 minutes), or until the greens are tender and bright green.
  4. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the greens to taste.

Serving suggestions & tips

  • Lemon zest finish: Add a bit of lemon zest at the end for a fresh, bright burst of flavor.
  • Aromatic nutmeg: Sprinkle freshly grated nutmeg on top for a warm, aromatic twist.
  • Spicy crunch: Top with chili crisp for a spicy kick and a satisfying crunch.
  • Crispy shallots: Add crispy fried shallots on top for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Recipe notes

  • Freeze the cooked greens into our Anytime Freezer Trays and reheat as needed.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

All You Need to Know About Making Garlicky Greens in the Microwave

What are garlicky greens?

Garlicky greens are a quick and versatile side dish made by cooking hearty greens like kale, Swiss chard, or mustard greens with garlic, olive oil, and seasonings. A squeeze of lemon or a pinch of spice enhances the flavor, making this dish a fresh, flavorful addition to any meal.

Can I make garlicky greens in the microwave?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for the microwave, especially when made in an Anyday dish. The silicone-lined lid helps trap steam and moisture inside the dish, infusing the greens with the garlicky flavor, all in just minutes.

How long can I store garlicky greens in the fridge?

Garlicky greens can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an Anyday dish. Allow the dish to cool completely, then cover it with the Anyday lid and refrigerate. Reheat before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Can I freeze garlicky greens?

Yes, the greens can be frozen for up to 2 months using the silicone Anytime Freezer Trays. Portion the cooked greens into the trays, freeze, and reheat in an Anyday dish when needed. You can also try chopping the greens before freezing so they can be stirred into soups or stews.

What’s the best way to reheat garlicky greens?

To reheat garlicky greens from the fridge, place them in an Anyday dish, cover with the lid, and microwave on full power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. From the freezer, add the frozen portions into an Anyday dish and reheat on full power for 1-2 minutes per serving, or until heated through. Find out more about freezing and reheating on our blog.

Can I use different greens for this recipe?

Definitely! This recipe works well with a variety of greens, such as spinach, collard greens, mustard greens, or even broccoli rabe. Adjust the microwave cooking time depending on the  heartiness of the greens.

How can I customize the flavor of garlicky greens?

You can add your favorite seasonings or toppings to customize the flavor. Try adding red pepper flakes for heat, a sprinkle of Parmesan for richness, toasted nuts for added crunch, or even canned beans for a hearty twist.

Do I need to remove the stems from the greens?

For hearty greens like kale or Swiss chard, removing the tough center stems is recommended for a tender texture. For more tender greens like spinach, you can keep those stems intact. However, you can leave softer stems, such as those on spinach, intact.

Can I make garlicky greens vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan! The combination of olive oil, garlic, and fresh greens is entirely plant-based, making it suitable for vegan diets.