How to Cook Collard Greens in Instant Pot

Collard Greens in Instant Pot

How to Cook Collard Greens in Instant Pot

How to cook collard greens in instant pot is something every cook can do. 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.

Variations

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.

How to Cook 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.

How to Assemble Instant Pot for Cooking Greens

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. 

Sealing vent on instant pot.
Sealing vent on instant pot.

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!

Storage

Refrigerate cooled collard greens and store in a storage container or plastic storage bag in the refrigerator for 3 days. You can freeze cooled collard greens in a storage container or plastic freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove top in a small boiler or pan.

Want to learn more about food storage? See our article “How Long is Food Good For in the Fridge?”

Instant Pot Recipes

Love using your instant pot? Try some of our favorite instant pot recipes.

Sweet Potatoes in the Instant Pot

Pork Tenderloin

Deviled Eggs

Recipe Featured on  Christy Jordan’s Meal Plan Monday.  See it at Southern Plate.

Collard Greens in Instant Pot
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5 from 1 vote

How to Cook Collard Greens (Instant Pot)

Flavorful and fast collard green recipe prepared in the instant pot.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 89kcal
Cost: $5

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!

Notes

Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary according to ingredients used and serving size.
You can adjust the seasonings to your taste and preference.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 89kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 377mg | Potassium: 99mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 0.4mg

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