Instant Pot Collard Greens

Instant Pot Collard Greens — I know what you’re thinking: collard greens in the Instant Pot? That’s sacrilegious! I’m not going to lie, and I was also a little hesitant about cooking my greens in such a high-tech gadget. But when they came out of the pot looking and tasting like something my grandma would make, I knew it had been worth it.

Collard greens are traditionally cooked for hours with salt pork or ham hocks, but this recipe is done in less than 30 minutes and requires no pre-soaking! All you need is water and seasonings (and maybe some bacon).

Collard greens are an excellent source of vitamins A, K, folate, manganese, and calcium. They also contain high levels of antioxidants that may help reduce cancer risk. This blog post provides a recipe for instant pot collard greens with bacon which is quick and easy to make in your Instant Pot!

There is nothing better than a plate of healthy Collard Greens, and the Instant Pot does an amazing job at perfectly cooking them up!

If you love a great vegetable dish, some of my favorite Instant Pot Vegetable Recipes are  INSTANT POT GREEN BEANS, INSTANT POT BRUSSELS SPROUTS, INSTANT POT BROCCOLI, and NINJA FOODI OR INSTANT POT SPAGHETTI SQUASH.

What Are Collard Greens?

Collard greens are a vegetable often used in soups, salads, and other dishes. They are most commonly eaten in the southern United States, typically boiled with some smoked meat or bacon. Collards can be purchased fresh or frozen from many grocery stores across the country year-round.

They are very popular during the winter, when they can provide much-needed vitamins to those living in colder climates. What makes them so good for you? Collard greens have high vitamin K, A, manganese, folate, and calcium levels. One serving provides over 100% of your daily requirement for vitamin K!

With all these benefits, it’s hard to believe collards are also low-calorie considering how filling they are- one cup has only 40 calories! It doesn’t matter if you’re vegan- there really isn’t anything wrong with trying this healthy veggie.

Why Pressure Cook Collard Greens

Pressure-cooking collard greens offers several benefits:

• Speed: Collard greens are a tough, leafy vegetable that can take a long time to cook through traditional methods. Pressure cooking significantly cuts down on this cooking time.

• Nutrient Retention: Pressure cooking can help retain the vitamins and minerals found in collard greens better than boiling or steaming, as the cooking time is reduced and fewer nutrients are lost.

• Flavor Infusion: Cooking under pressure allows the flavors of any added spices or meats to better infuse into the collard greens, creating a more flavorful dish.

• Ease and Convenience: With a pressure cooker, you can set it and forget it, making this method of cooking collard greens less labor-intensive than stove-top methods that may require constant attention and stirring.

• Energy Efficiency: Pressure cookers, particularly electric ones, can be more energy-efficient than using a stovetop or an oven for long periods.

As with all cooking methods, pressure cooking has its pros and cons. It’s up to individual preference whether this is the right method for preparing collard greens. However, many people enjoy the convenience and speed of using a pressure cooker.

Ingredients Needed Collard Greens Instant Pot

Collard greens are a classic Southern staple, and making them in an Instant Pot takes this traditional dish to the next level. Enjoy all of the authentic flavor with none of the fuss by getting your ingredients ready and prepping in a fraction of the time! Follow along as we walk you through how to make collard greens creamy, flavorful, and delicious without sacrificing any nutrition. From gathering your ingredients to securing it all together for a perfect final product–we’ll guide you every step of the way. Get ready for drool-worthy collards that will have everyone asking “What’s cooking?”

• Olive oil
• Onions
• Minced Garlic
• Collard Greens
• Water or Vegetable Stock
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Crumbled Bacon

How To Make Instant Pot Collard Greens

Start by adding the olive oil into the Instant Pot, and then press the saute button. Give it 30 seconds to let the olive oil heat up, add the onions and garlic, and continue to saute’ until the onions are softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Then add the collard greens and the water, and add the lid, set the manual high pressure for 20 minutes, letting it naturally release.

Then strain the collard greens, and mix in the spices to add some crumbled bacon.

Are Collard Greens Healthy?

Collard greens are a healthier alternative to kale. Collards have more calcium and fewer calories but still maintain all kale’s vitamins (and then some). With a rich vitamin C content that rivals other vegetables in this department, we recommend eating collards as much better than any green you can get your hands on!

Pro Tips For Cooking The Best Collard Greens Instant Pot

Here are some professional tips to help you cook collard greens in an Instant Pot:

• Wash the Greens Thoroughly: Before cooking, make sure to thoroughly wash your collard greens to remove any dirt or grit.
• Remove Stems and Chop: The stems can be tough and stringy, so it’s best to remove them. You can do this by folding the leaf in half lengthwise and cutting along the stem. Then, chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
• Use a Flavorful Liquid: When cooking collard greens, using chicken broth, vegetable broth, or any other flavorful liquid instead of just water can significantly enhance the taste.
• Add a Smoky Flavor: Traditional collard green recipes often include ham hock for a smoky flavor. If you want a similar flavor profile but prefer a vegetarian version, add a bit of liquid smoke or smoked paprika.
• Saute First: Saute onions, garlic, and any other aromatics in the Instant Pot before adding your greens. This will add depth and richness to the flavor of your collard greens.
• Natural Pressure Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally after the collard greens cook. This helps to soften the greens further and infuse them with flavor.
• Adjust Cooking Time for Desired Texture: If you prefer your collard greens to be more tender, you can increase the cooking time a bit. Most recipes recommend around 10-15 minutes, but you can adjust according to your preference.
• Season to Taste: After cooking, don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might need more salt, pepper, or a dash of vinegar for some tanginess.

Remember, collard greens can be a bit bitter, so pairing them with flavorful ingredients like onion, garlic, and some kind of fat (like olive oil or bacon fat) can balance out the flavors. Enjoy your cooking!

FAQ:

How long do I cook collard greens in an Instant Pot?

Generally, collard greens need to be pressure cooked for about 10-15 minutes on high in an Instant Pot. However, this may vary depending on the texture you prefer. If you like your greens very soft, you might want to cook them a bit longer.

Do I need to pre-soak collard greens before cooking them in an Instant Pot?

No, pre-soaking is not necessary for collard greens. Make sure to wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit before cooking.

Can I add meat to my collard greens in the Instant Pot?

Yes, meats like ham hock, smoked turkey, or bacon are often added to collard greens for additional flavor. If you’re adding meat, you’ll want to sauté it in the Instant Pot before adding the collard greens.

How much liquid should I use when cooking collard greens in an Instant Pot?

A good rule of thumb is to add about 1 cup of liquid (like chicken broth or water) for every pound of collard greens. This will create the steam needed for pressure cooking.

Can I cook frozen collard greens in the Instant Pot?

Yes, frozen collard greens can be cooked in the Instant Pot, but the cooking time may need to be increased by a few minutes.

How do I store leftover collard greens cooked in an Instant Pot?

Leftover collard greens can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or frozen for up to six months.

Can I make a vegetarian version of collard greens in the Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Instead of using meat for flavoring, try adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar smoky flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth as your cooking liquid.

What Meat is Used to Season Collard Greens?

I love using turkey wings for my greens. The meat is tender and has a smoky flavor that perfectly complements the earthy taste of vegetables like kale or collard greens, but it can be hard to find on occasion!

I’ve also tried substituting smoked chicken legs in its place when those were more readily available – it was delicious, too; not quite as robust-smelling, though (so if you’re looking for something closer to what salty pork/ham hock would offer, then go ahead with one these).

Collard Greens Storage and Freezing Tips

You can refrigerate collard greens for about 5-7 days.

To Freeze Them: Place them in sealable plastic bags and broth and juice, then when you defrost them, they won’t be dry!

More Instant Pot Recipes

• INSTANT POT GREEN BEANS
• INSTANT POT BRUSSELS SPROUTS
• NINJA FOODI OR INSTANT POT SPAGHETTI SQUASH
• INSTANT POT BROCCOLI
• INSTANT POT SPAGHETTI SQUASH

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