How to Prepare Healthy Collard Greens Using Your 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. 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 Cook Using Your Instant Pot
To cook using your instant pot begin by getting your Instant Pot ready. Plug it in and the display will light up. (Note: If you accidentally unplug the cord from the instant pot while moving it, it will not light up. Check to be sure it is connected to the pot if you ever have it not light up when you plug it in.)
The silver pot will sit in the chamber to cook. I always put food in the pot while it is outside the chamber and then set it inside the chamber so I don’t spill anything in the cooking area. Lift it out of the chamber and set it on a potholder or heat resistant surface to serve the food for the same reason – to keep from dripping or spilling food in the cooking area. I love using my Instant Pot and want to keep it clean inside and out!
Instant Pot Silver Pot
Now for the top:
Placing Seal in Instant Pot
Make sure the milky white plastic looking seal is in place underneath the silver ring. Note: You may have colored seals instead of the milky white ones. I use my finger to get it started and run around it until it is in place.
Instant Pot Top
Silver Pot in Chamber
First you place the silver pot with food in it inside the chamber. Next set the round top in the grooves with the close / open words slightly to the bottom right as you are looking at the top. (It was hard for me to find the right spot when I first purchased the instant pot. I had to move it around slightly until I felt it slip in the groove.)
There are markings on the rim of the chamber that show a lock and unlock symbol. You can line the triangle on the top up with the unlock symbol. Next put your hand on the outer handle and twist clockwise to the right until the triangle lines up with the lock symbol. The instant pot makes a kind of musical sound like you are winning the jackpot!
Instant Pot Pressure Valve
Sealing the Vent
After the lid is locked in place, put the pressure vent on top in the sealing position. DO NOT LEAVE IT IN THE VENTING POSITION. If you do, you might have a messy volcano of juices spewing out the top after cooking begins. Not hazardous – just messy! In my opinion, putting the vent in the sealing position to start with is really the only thing you have to double-check before walking away.
Cooking Fresh Collard Greens in Your Instant Pot
Wash the collard greens well in cool running water. If you buy pre-packaged, washed and ready to use greens just pour them into the instant pot. I still like to rinse them just to be sure they are super clean. Don’t fill it past the Max line on the inside of the silver pot.
Instant Pot Measurements
Cover Greens
Add water to just cover the greens. Chicken or vegetable broth can be used instead, 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.
Place the silver pot with the greens, water, and all seasonings in the chamber. 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!
Cleaning Your Instant Pot
You can handwash or place the silver pot in the dishwasher. I prefer to always handwash the top, seals, and vent. They don’t get very dirty and are easy to soap up and rinse quickly.
I keep the instant pot on my kitchen counter so it is always ready for the next cooking adventure!
Instant Pot Recipes
Cook Using Your Instant Pot
Now that you know how to cook using your instant pot, try out some of our instant pot recipes. I hope you enjoy!
Recipe Featured on Christy Jordan’s Meal Plan Monday. See it at Southern Plate.
Instant Pot Collard Greens
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading...Ingredients
- Fresh Collard Greens (I use the pre-cut, washed, bagged greens)
- Water or Chicken or Vegetable Broth
- Olive Oil
- Garlic Powder
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Cajun Seasoning
- Hot Sauce
- Salt
- 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.
Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning and a dash of hot sauce.
Add 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
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
You can adjust the seasonings to your taste and preference.
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