How to Cook Collard Greens in the Instant Pot
Prepare healthy collard greens in your Instant Pot and season them to your taste and health requirements.
Traditional collard greens require a long time to cook and the addition of pork or bacon. This recipe will take from 8 to 20 minutes after the instant pot has reached pressure and uses only spices and broth to season.
You can use chicken or vegetable broth, onions, garlic and red pepper to season without adding fat. Experiment with a bag of washed and cut fresh collard greens to see how you like your pot of greens. I am sure you will find it so easy and your body with thank you for the healthy boost!
How to Buy Fresh Collard Greens
I like to buy the packaged greens from the produce department for this recipe. They are washed, cut and ready to cook. Collard greens come in 2 cut shapes: “squares” and “shreds.” Okay, the package doesn’t necessarily say squares and shreds, but that is the way they look to me. They are inexpensive and ready to use.
I have no objection to getting a fresh “bunch” of greens, washing and cutting them; but the quick method of using the ready to go bag is in line with the quick method of using the Instant Pot. They are fresh and do not have anything added to them, so they are healthy.
Organic is also available. Now back to the shape… whatever you are in the mood for (or what is available at the store) will work just fine!
How to Wash Collard Greens
Washing collard greens is necessary to remove dirt and grit from the leaves before cooking. Nobody wants any sand like grit in their greens!
Place cut collard greens in a large bowl and run cold water over them in the sink. Stir them around in the water and swish up and down with your hands to help shake dirt loose.
Rinse and repeat for 3 times. Be sure to move the greens aside and rinse the bottom of the bowl to get grit that has settled on the bottom. Greens are now ready to cook.
Place Washed Collard Greens in the Instant Pot
Add water or broth to just cover the greens. Chicken or vegetable broth can be used for flavor, if you would like.
Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil and salt and pepper to your taste. You can also use garlic, Cajun seasoning, red pepper or hot sauce for a nice kick to it.
I love to use Phil Robertson’s Cajun Seasoning Original.
Cooking Collard Greens in the Instant Pot
Place the silver pot with the greens, water, and all seasonings in the chamber of the Instant Pot. Put the top and vent (in sealing position) on and twist top clockwise to lock.
Set to manual for 8 to 20 minutes. Tender greens cook in 20 minutes.
If you like them firmer go for less time. I like the 20 minute timeframe.
After the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally. This means let it sit there about 10 minutes or so and the pressure goes down on its own.
Quick Release
If you prefer you can do a quick release. Use an oven mitt and tongs to turn the sealing vent to the venting position. Be sure that you keep clear of the vent where the hot steam releases or you can get a steam burn.
After the pressure is released either naturally or quickly, twist the top counter clockwise and lift it off. I set it on a dish towel so I can then lift the silver pot out with potholders. Set the pot on a dishtowel, potholder, or trivet to serve.
Remember that removing it from the inner chamber keeps your instant pot clean! Be sure to turn the instant pot off and unplug. Enjoy your healthy greens!
Instant Pot Recipes
Sweet Potatoes in the Instant Pot
Recipe Featured on Christy Jordan’s Meal Plan Monday. See it at Southern Plate.
How to Cook Collard Greens (Instant Pot)
Ingredients
- 1 bag Fresh Collard Greens (I use the pre-cut, washed, bagged greens)
- 6 cups Water or Chicken or Vegetable Broth (Enough to cover greens in instant pot)
- 1 TBLS Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 tsp Cajun Seasoning
- 1 tsp Hot Sauce
- 2 tsp Salt
- 2 tsp Pepper
Instructions
- Wash and cut fresh greens or use a bag of ready to use greens from the produce department.
- Place greens in the instant pot and cover with water or broth. Chicken or vegetable broth works well. Do not fill pot past the Max line but cover the greens with the liquid.
- Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, powder, red pepper flakes, Cajun seasoning and a dash of hot sauce.
- Add salt and pepper. Stir.
- Place top (with seal in place) on instant pot.
- Place vent in sealing position.
- Set timer for 20 minutes.
- When timer beeps, let pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes. If it is not all the way released, you can turn the vent to venting position. Use tongs to turn the vent and keep fingers and hands clear of the hot steam.
- Turn top counter clockwise and lift off. Set it aside. Lift silver pot from the inner chamber and the greens are ready to serve!
No Comments