Forget simmering collard greens for hours on the stovetop! The Instant Pot is my secret weapon for achieving perfectly tender, flavor-packed greens in a fraction of the time. This recipe delivers that classic, soulful taste with a little kick of heat, making it the perfect healthy side dish for any weeknight meal. Get ready to make this Southern staple a regular in your rotation!
Ingredients
• 2 bunches collard greens
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, cut into thin rings
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• 1 cup / 240 ml water
• Salt, to taste
Instructions
1. Prep the Greens: Wash the collard greens thoroughly. Remove the tough center stems and slice the leaves into thin, ribbon-like strands.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add the olive oil. Once hot, add the thinly sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Bloom Spices: Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Deglaze and Add Greens: Press “Cancel” to stop the sauté function. Pour in the water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the prepared collard greens and stir.
5. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid, ensuring the pressure valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” and set the timer to 3 minutes at High Pressure.
6. Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a Quick Release by moving the pressure valve to the “Venting” position.
7. Season and Serve: Once the pin drops, safely remove the lid. Stir in salt to your liking and serve immediately while hot.
Nutritional Information
• (per serving)
• Calories: 106
• Total Fat: 6.9g
• Net Carbs: 2.38g
• Protein: 4.3g
• Fiber: 0.6g
Pro Tips
• For a smoky, savory flavor, add a smoked turkey leg or ham hock to the pot with the greens before pressure cooking.
• Swap the water for chicken or vegetable broth to add an extra layer of savory depth.
• Finish the dish with a splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice after cooking to brighten all the flavors.
• To properly clean collard greens, submerge them in a large bowl of cold water, swish them around to loosen any grit, then lift them out, leaving the dirt behind at the bottom of the bowl.
FAQ
Q: How long does it take to cook collard greens in an Instant Pot
A: These collard greens cook for just 3 minutes at High Pressure, followed by a Quick Release, making them incredibly fast compared to traditional methods.
Q: Can I add meat to this collard greens recipe
A: Yes, for a smoky and savory flavor, you can add a smoked turkey leg or ham hock to the pot along with the greens before pressure cooking.
Q: What can I use instead of water for more flavor
A: To add an extra layer of savory depth to the dish, you can easily swap the water for an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth.
Q: How do you properly clean collard greens
A: To clean collard greens thoroughly, submerge the leaves in a large bowl of cold water and swish them around to loosen any grit. Lift the greens out of the water, leaving the dirt behind at the bottom of the bowl.
