Ella Walter
Collard greens are a Southern staple and a classic soul food dish. They can be cooked in a crockpot or slow cooker, which is not only easy but also frees up valuable stovetop space. The greens are cooked low and slow, simmering in a rich broth that deepens in flavour as they cook. This liquid is known as pot likker or pot liquor and is so tasty that some people even drink it. The collard greens can be cooked with smoked meat, or a vegetarian version can be made by swapping the meat for fire-roasted diced tomatoes or liquid smoke.
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature
Collard greens can be cooked in a crockpot/slow cooker. The cooking time for collard greens in a crockpot varies depending on the desired texture and the efficiency of the slow cooker. On average, it takes 4-6 hours to cook collard greens on a high setting and 6-9 hours on a low setting.
For a minimum cooking time, it is recommended to cook collard greens for at least 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low to ensure they are tender enough to serve. However, some people choose to cook them overnight, which can take 6-8 hours.
To heat canned collard greens in a crockpot, it is suggested to set the cooker to high for 1.5-2 hours. This shorter cooking time is because canned collard greens are already cooked and seasoned.
It is important to note that slow cookers can vary in efficiency, so the cooking time may need to be adjusted accordingly.
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Preparation
Collard greens are part of the cabbage family and are a bit bitter when raw, similar to kale. However, when cooked in a crockpot, they transform into a savoury and smoky dish with a nice tang and a tiny bit of spice.
To prepare collard greens in a crockpot, start by washing the greens in a sink full of water and some baking soda. Then, wash them again with cold water. You can then choose to trim off the stems and tear the leaves into strips, or leave the stems intact as they will get tender in the crockpot. Fold each green in half over the stem and use a knife to slice along the stem to remove it. Stack a few leaves, roll them up, and slice them into thin strips. Repeat this process until all the greens are sliced.
Next, fill a large pot halfway with water and add chicken broth. Place the ham hocks or shanks in the water and add the collard greens as they begin to wilt. You can also add smoked turkey necks or legs if you prefer. Once the pot is full of greens, transfer the contents to the crockpot. You can also add bacon, brown sugar, vinegar, and red pepper flakes to enhance the flavour.
Finally, cover the crockpot and cook the collard greens on low for 6 to 9 hours, or on high for 3 to 6 hours, until they are tender. Once the greens are tender, remove the ham hocks and shred the meat, adding it back to the crockpot. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, sugar, or vinegar as needed.
You can make collard greens up to two days in advance and refrigerate them in an airtight container or the slow cooker insert. When ready to serve, reheat them in the slow cooker or on the stovetop until hot.
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Ingredients
Collard greens are a part of the cabbage family and are bitter when raw, similar to kale. When cooked in a crockpot, collard greens become tender and take on a savoury and smoky flavour.
To cook collard greens in a crockpot, you will need the following ingredients:
- Fresh collard greens: Rinse the greens in a sink full of water and some baking soda. Repeat this process twice, and then wash the greens with cold water only. You can then chop the greens. However, one source suggests that you do not need to remove the stems as they will become tender in the crockpot.
- A meat product: Smoked meat is often used to flavour collard greens. Examples include ham hocks, smoked turkey wings or legs, bacon, or chopped smoked ham. If you want to make a vegetarian version, you can leave out the meat and add a splash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika.
- A liquid base: This can be water or broth. If you are making a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth.
- Seasonings: Seasonings used in collard greens include salt, pepper, garlic, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup.
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Serving suggestions
Collard greens are a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a main. They are a Southern staple and pair well with a variety of comfort foods. Here are some serving suggestions for collard greens cooked in a crockpot:
Beans & Peas
Serve collard greens alongside slow cooker black-eyed peas for a classic New Year's combo or go with pinto beans for a milder option.
Hearty Mains
Pair collard greens with hearty mains such as crockpot chicken thighs or ham dinner. The smoky flavour of the ham complements the greens perfectly.
Carbohydrates
Add some carbohydrates to your meal by serving collard greens with steamed white rice or a scoop of creamy crockpot mac and cheese.
Bread
No Southern meal is complete without cornbread! Make a batch of slow cooker cornbread or bake mini cornbread muffins to go with your collard greens.
Barbecue
Collard greens are an excellent side dish for a barbecue. Serve them with barbecued meat, blackened green beans and grits, sautéed sweet potatoes, and other barbecue sides.
Salads and Sandwiches
Collard greens can also be eaten raw. Try using them in salads, sandwiches, or as a wrap for spring rolls.
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Storage and reheating
Collard greens can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. If you want to make them in advance, you can freeze them in airtight bags or containers and store them in the freezer for a week or two. However, freezing collard greens is not ideal as they tend to become mushy when thawed, resulting in a less appealing texture and flavor.
To reheat collard greens, you can use a slow cooker, a stovetop, or a microwave. If using a slow cooker, make sure to give yourself enough time for the greens to get warm. For stovetop reheating, gently warm the greens over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until they are heated through. In the microwave, collard greens can be reheated for about 30 seconds.
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Frequently asked questions
Wash the collard greens under cold running water to remove any dirt. Pat dry. Then, fold each green in half over the stem and slice along the stem to remove it. Discard the stems. Stack the leaves, roll them up, and slice them into thin strips.
Collard greens can be cooked in a crockpot with ingredients like ham hocks, smoked turkey wings or legs, bacon, chopped onion, red pepper flakes, salt, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and garlic.
There is no set time limit for cooking collard greens in a crockpot. They can be cooked for as little as 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low. They can also be cooked overnight on low without becoming mushy.
