Southern Instant Pot Collard Greens

These Southern Instant Pot Collard Greens come together in a flash with just five minutes of pressure cooking in an Instant Pot. Tender collard greens are cooked with smoky bacon, savory smoked turkey breast, and a blend of spices.

Southern Collard Greens Recipe is an absolute staple of Southern kitchens, handed down from generation to generation. A traditional Southern-style collard greens recipe requires hours of simmering and braising to tenderize, but the final product is worth all the time and sweat! But with an Instant Pot twist, it's time to bid farewell to the days when you started cooking in the morning and eating at night. Using the Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time, delivering silky, tender collard greens in under an hour from start to finish.

What are Collard Greens?

Collard greens are vibrant leafy greens, part of the Brassica oleracea family, along with kale, mustard greens, and turnip greens. They are beloved in Southern cuisine and known for their large, dark green leaves and hearty stems. Whether served as a main course or a delicious side dish, collard greens offer a delightful chewy texture when cooked to perfection. It's hearty, but it's also light. It's spicy, but it's also sweet. If you want to make them as a main meal, serve them with black-eyed peas a New Year’s Eve.

Southern Instant Pot Collard Greens Ingredients

Collard Greens – Always look for fresh collard greens with a deep green hue and no brown spots. You can also buy pre-chopped greens for hassle-free and quicker cooking.

Chopped Bacon – Bacon also provides fat, which helps sauté vegetables and enhances taste.

Smoked Turkey Breast or Smoked Duck Breast – Fully cooked and sliced, these meats infuse the greens with rich, smoky flavors.

Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds a tangy kick that balances the richness of bacon and smoked meat.

Onions – Add sweetness and depth.

Garlic – Provides a robust, aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Chicken Broth – Serves as the cooking liquid, infusing greens with savory flavor while keeping them moist.

Cajun Seasoning – This spice mix adds spice and smokiness.

Paprika – Contributes to a mild, sweet pepper flavor and gives a stunning red color.

Chili Flakes – Add heat to the dish. Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.

Salt – Enhances all the flavors and tenderizes the greens.

Black Pepper – Adds heat and depth to the flavor profile.

Cooking Oil – Used for sautéing bacon, onion, and garlic, ensuring they don’t stick to the pot and allowing their flavors to meld together.

How to Make Instant Pot Collard Greens

• Prepare the Collard Greens

Wash and rinse collard greens thoroughly to remove dirt and debris. Remove the middle stems by pulling and tearing the greens away from their stems. Chop the greens into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer, you can finely chop the stems and include them.

• Cook the Bacon

Press the "Sauté" button on your Instant Pot and set it to high. Add the cooking oil and cook the bacon until the edges are brown and crispy, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

• Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for about 2 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant. Pour some chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

• Add Seasonings and Broth

Pour in the remaining chicken broth, then add the Cajun seasoning, paprika, chili flakes (if using), salt, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well to combine.

• Combine and Pressure Cook

Add the chopped collard greens and sliced smoked turkey breast (or your preferred meat). Stir to mix everything together. Cover and lock the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is sealed. Cancel the sauté setting, then select "Custom," "Manual," or "Pressure Cook" and set the time to 5 minutes. Press start.

• Natural Pressure Release

Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally. This process will take about 10-15 minutes. Do not force open the valve.

• Serve

Open the pot, stir everything, and serve your Southern Instant Pot Collard Greens hot. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips for Instant Pot Collard Greens

Scrap the Pan: After cooking bacon and onions in the Instant Pot, deglaze the pot by adding chicken broth and scraping up any browned bits at the bottom. This adds flavor and prevents sticking.

Don't Skip Vinegar: Remember, apple cider vinegar is crucial for balancing the bitterness of the greens. If you don't have cider vinegar, use white vinegar instead.

Prep Ahead: Wash and chop collard greens ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Balance the Acidity: If you find collard greens too tangy with apple cider vinegar, try using regular vinegar or lemon juice for a milder acidity. Adjust to taste.

Storing Leftovers: Collard greens freeze very well. Cool them completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.\

FAQ’s

What does Southern collard greens taste like?

Southern collards are made with smoky meats, seasonings, and apple cider vinegar, which gives them a taste different from regular collard greens. They are so flavorful! They are a little spicy, smoky, salty, vinegary, and savory! All those flavors make the broth rich and bold, and the greens are tender after simmering.

Are southern collard greens good for you?

Collard greens are among the healthiest greens you can eat. Low in calories and sodium, they are rich in iron, calcium, and vitamin A. They're an incredibly nutrient-dense vegetable known for cleansing the blood and detoxifying. They are also high in soluble fiber and are a great addition to any detox diet!

What can you serve with these southern collard greens?

Southern collard greens are a traditional holiday dish in the South, served with macaroni and cheese or buttermilk fried chicken. For those who love the smoky flavor of these greens and the creaminess of mashed potatoes, buttery mashed potatoes are the best accompaniment.

How do you get the bitterness out of collard greens?

When preparing collard greens, seasoning with salt, vinegar, and savory chicken broth diminishes bitterness, resulting in a more well-rounded and intricate flavor profile for the collard greens recipe.

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