#Instant Pot Southern-Style Collard Greens
In a time crunch but still craving Southern comfort? Don’t fret! We bring you our recipe for Instant Pot Southern-Style Collard Greens.
##Why Make This Recipe?
These Instant Pot Collard Greens are cooked to perfection in under an hour, making them a practical choice for weeknight dinners. Collard Greens are a low-calorie, nutrient-rich superfood, packed with vitamins A, C, and K. Their slightly bitter leafy taste pairs perfectly with the smoky flavor of the ham hock or turkey, making them a delicious, healthy side dish.
##Ingredients for Instant Pot Southern-Style Collard Greens:
– 2 lbs fresh collard greens, washed and chopped
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 smoked ham hock or 2 cups diced smoked turkey
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
##Directions :
1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Heat the olive oil and sauté the onion until soft and translucent.
2. Add the garlic and let it cook for an additional minute. Once done, turn off sauté mode.
3. Add the smoked ham hock (or turkey), chopped collard greens, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
4. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Select manual high pressure and set the timer for 25 minutes.
5. Allow the pressure to naturally release over 10 minutes, followed by a quick release to completely depressurize.
6. Open the Instant Pot lid, stir the greens, and serve hot. If you have used a ham hock, discard the bone but shred any usable meat back into the greens.
##How to Serve Instant Pot Southern-Style Collard Greens
Serve these hearty greens piping hot, as a side with your favorite Southern dishes like fried chicken, BBQ ribs, or cornbread. If you want to turn it into a comforting main meal, just pair it with a warm, crusty cornbread to soak up the cooking broth.
##How to Store Instant Pot Southern-Style Collard Greens
Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze these greens for up to 6 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then heat on the stove till hot.
##Tips to Make Instant Pot Southern-Style Collard Greens
– Chopping the greens into bite-sized pieces will make them easier to eat and help them cook more uniformly.
– Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can add more red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
##Variation
Replace the ham hock or turkey with smoked sausage or bacon for a different flavor profile.
##FAQs
1. **Can I make this dish vegetarian?** Yes. Omit the smoked ham hock/turkey and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add liquid smoke or smoked paprika to compensate for the smoky flavor.
2. **Can I use other greens instead of Collard Green?** Yes. Kale, mustard greens, or turnip greens are all excellent alternatives to collard greens.
3. **How long does it take for the Instant Pot to come to pressure?** It varies depending on the Instant Pot model and volume of the content. Usually, it takes between 5-15 minutes.
Now go ahead and enjoy the soul of Southern cuisine without hours of simmering!