Tillie Doyle
Collard greens are a popular side dish that can be cooked in a crockpot. They are part of the cabbage family and are often described as bitter-tasting when raw. However, when cooked in a crockpot with smoked meat and spices, they transform into a savoury and smoky dish with a nice tang. The crockpot is an ideal way to cook collard greens because it allows them to cook slowly and soften up, creating a tender and flavourful dish. This method also frees up space on the stove, making it especially useful for holiday cooking.
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What You'll Learn
Prep and ingredients
Collard greens are a leafy dark green vegetable with a tough stem that runs up the entire leaf. They are part of the cabbage family and are similar to kale in that they are slightly bitter when raw. When cooked, collard greens become tender and take on the flavours of the dish.
To prepare fresh collard greens, start by removing the stems. You can do this by laying the leaf flat and cutting along the sides of the central stem to remove it. Next, stack several leaves and roll them up, then slice the roll into strips. Repeat this process until you have prepared enough greens.
Wash the collard greens thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt. You can also soak them in a tub or sink full of water for 10-15 minutes, then rinse and repeat until they are clean.
The ingredients you will need to cook collard greens in a crockpot include:
- Smoked meats (e.g. ham hocks, ham shanks, smoked turkey legs, or bacon)
- Collard greens (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Chicken broth or vegetable broth
- Vinegar (white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar)
- Spices (e.g. red pepper flakes, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper)
- Onion
- Butter or plant-based oil
- Optional: jalapenos, brown sugar, maple syrup, smoked paprika
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Cooking methods
Collard greens are a leafy dark green vegetable with a tough stem that runs up the entire leaf. They are part of the cabbage family and are similar to kale in that they are bitter when raw.
To cook collard greens in a crock pot, start by washing the greens in a tub or sink full of water. Allow them to soak for 10-15 minutes, then rinse the leaves to remove any dirt or grit. Repeat this process until the greens are clean. Remove the stems by laying the leaf flat and cutting along the sides of the central stem. Stack several leaves, roll them up, and slice them into strips. Transfer the chopped greens to your crock pot.
Next, add your desired seasonings and liquids. Many recipes call for smoked meats, such as ham hocks or bacon, to be added to the crock pot along with the greens. You can also add chicken broth, water, or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. For additional flavour, add spices such as onion, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, garlic powder, or Cajun seasoning. Some recipes also include apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, or maple syrup to balance out the bitterness of the greens.
Once you have added all your ingredients, place the lid on the crock pot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally. Collard greens are tender when they are fully cooked. If you are using ham hocks, remove them from the crock pot when the greens are tender and shred the meat off the bone. Return the meat to the crock pot and discard the bones.
Collard greens can be served as a side dish and pair well with cornbread, black-eyed peas, mashed potatoes, or grains such as rice or quinoa. They can also be served with proteins such as grilled chicken, roasted pork, or grilled tofu for a vegetarian option.
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Serving suggestions
Crockpot collard greens are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of mains and accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:
Beans and Peas
Collard greens pair well with beans and peas, making a hearty and nutritious combination. Try serving them alongside slow cooker black-eyed peas for a classic New Year's combo, or go with pinto beans for a milder option.
Hearty Mains
Meaty mains like crockpot chicken thighs or ham dinner go perfectly with the tender, flavourful collard greens. For a vegetarian option, grilled tofu or tempeh can be a great choice.
Carbs
To round out the meal, consider adding some carbs like steamed white rice or 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 soak up all the delicious pot likker (also known as pot liquor).
Proteins
Collard greens can also be served with various protein-based dishes. Consider grilled chicken, roasted pork, or smoked meats like ham hocks or turkey.
Grains
The hearty flavour of collard greens also pairs beautifully with simple grains. Try serving them with rice, quinoa, or farro for a filling and nutritious meal.
Spices and Condiments
Don't forget to season your collard greens to taste with salt, pepper, sugar, or vinegar. A splash of pepper vinegar or hot sauce can add a nice kick to the dish.
With these serving suggestions, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal centred around crockpot collard greens. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations and finding your favourite flavour pairings!
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Reheating and storage
Leftover collard greens can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. They can be reheated in the slow cooker, ensuring you allow enough time for them to warm through. Alternatively, you can reheat leftovers in the microwave for approximately 30 seconds.
If you wish to freeze cooked collard greens, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some space for expansion and store for up to three months. Thaw frozen collard greens overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and consuming.
Tips for Reheating
- If you're reheating a large batch of collard greens, the slow cooker is ideal for ensuring even heating.
- For smaller portions, the microwave is a quick and convenient option.
- If you're reheating frozen collard greens, remember to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- When reheating, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You can also add a splash of vinegar or hot sauce to enhance the flavor.
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Nutritional information
Collard greens are part of the cabbage family and are rich in nutrients. They are typically cooked with meats such as ham hocks, bacon, smoked turkey, sausage, or chicken, and seasoned with spices, salt, pepper, brown sugar, and vinegar. The cooking process involves slow-cooking the ingredients in a crockpot, resulting in tender greens infused with the flavours of the meat and seasonings.
The nutritional information for crockpot collard greens can vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used. However, here is an approximation of the nutritional values for a serving of crockpot collard greens:
- Calories: 95-355 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 4-17 g
- Protein: 8-29 g
- Fat: 5-30 g
- Saturated Fat: 2-11 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1-2 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1-2 g
- Cholesterol: 23-108 mg
- Sodium: 257-1016 mg
- Potassium: 210-746 mg
- Fiber: 1-8 g
- Sugar: 1-5 g
- Vitamin A: 1807-9219 IU
- Vitamin C: 13-66 mg
- Calcium: 91-465 mg
- Iron: 0.3-3 mg
The crockpot collard greens recipe is a healthy option, offering a good balance of macronutrients and essential vitamins and minerals. The greens themselves are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fibre and calcium. The addition of meats provides protein, and the use of spices and seasonings enhances the flavour and nutritional profile of the dish.
The cooking method of using a crockpot or slow cooker is ideal for collard greens as it allows for a low and slow cooking process, resulting in tender greens and a rich broth. This cooking method also makes it convenient for preparing larger batches or for serving at gatherings, as the dish can be easily reheated in the crockpot itself.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 4 and 8 hours to cook collard greens in a crock pot, depending on the recipe.
You can add smoked meats like ham hocks, bacon, chicken, or turkey legs to collard greens in a crock pot. You can also add vegetables like onions, and a variety of seasonings like red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, sugar, vinegar, and cajun seasoning.
It is recommended to wash collard greens thoroughly before cooking them. You can also cut or tear the leaves into strips and remove the stems, as they have a tougher texture and require more cooking time.
Cooking collard greens in a crock pot allows them to cook slowly, infusing the flavours of the other ingredients. It also frees up space on the stove and is a convenient way to cook for a crowd, as the dish can be made in advance and reheated in the crock pot.
