Ella Walter
Collard greens are a popular side dish, especially in the South, and can be cooked in a crock pot. The slow cooker allows the greens to cook low and slow, infusing them with a rich broth known as pot likker or pot liquor. While there is no set time limit for cooking collard greens, they typically take around 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low to become tender. The collard greens are usually cooked with ham hocks, bacon, and various seasonings, though vegetarian options are also available.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Crockpot Size | 5-quart or 6-quart |
| Ingredients | Collard greens, ham hocks, bacon, garlic, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, water, smoked paprika, olive oil, garlic powder, chicken broth, butter, jalapeno, pickled jalapeno, serrano pepper, smoked turkey necks, turkey wings or legs, fire-roasted diced tomatoes |
| Minimum Cooking Time | 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low |
| Refrigeration | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days |
| Reheating | Reheat in the slow cooker, microwave for 30 seconds, or on the stovetop |
| Nutrition (per cup) | 50 calories, 7g carbohydrates, 2g protein, 2g fat, 0.3g saturated fat, 257mg sodium, 136mg potassium, 2g fiber, 3g sugar, 2591IU vitamin A, 18mg vitamin C, 118mg calcium, 0.3mg iron |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time for canned collard greens
Canned collard greens are a great option if you want to save time and effort in the kitchen. They are already fully cooked, so you only need to adjust your cooking time and add some extra ingredients to enhance their flavour.
When cooking canned collard greens in a crock pot, it is recommended to cook them on high for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This will ensure that the greens are heated through and tender. You can add extra seasonings and ingredients such as bacon, brown sugar, vinegar, and red pepper flakes to improve the flavour of the canned greens.
If you are using a 6-quart crock pot, you can follow these steps:
- Place the collard greens in the crock pot and top them with ham hocks.
- Add in the bacon, bacon grease, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and water.
- Cover and cook on high for 3.5 to 4 hours until the ham hocks are tender.
- Remove the ham hocks, discard the skins, and shred the meat.
- Stir the meat back into the crock pot with the greens and serve warm.
It is worth noting that collard greens are a tough vegetable and require a long cooking time to soften. The benefit of using a crock pot is that it allows the greens to cook slowly, creating a wonderful broth, or "pot liquor," that is full of flavour. This method also makes it easy to prepare a large batch, making it a great option for holidays or gatherings.
Additionally, when preparing canned collard greens, you can choose whether or not to drain the liquid. Draining the liquid can reduce the sodium content, but it also contains a lot of the flavour from the greens. You can also reserve some of the liquid and add it to your crock pot, along with water or stock, to create a comforting and brothy dish.
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How to prepare fresh collard greens
Preparing fresh collard greens is a simple process, and crock pots are a great way to cook them. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare and cook fresh collard greens in a crock pot:
Step 1: Wash and Prepare the Greens
Start by rinsing the collard greens thoroughly to ensure they are clean. Collard greens can be sandy due to their growth method, so it is recommended to wash them at least twice. Next, remove any thick stems by cutting or tearing them away from the leaves. You can discard the stems or add them to your compost bin.
Step 2: Chop or Tear the Leaves
To prepare the leaves, you can either stack 5-6 leaves and roll them into a tight cigar shape before slicing them into thin strips, or you can simply chop the leaves into strips. The strips should be thin to help them cook faster and retain their vibrant green colour.
Step 3: Prepare the Bacon and Ham (Optional)
Cook your bacon in a skillet or the bottom of your crock pot if it has a sauté function. Cook the bacon until it renders its fat and becomes translucent. You can also add ham hocks to your crock pot for extra flavour. If using ham hocks, you will need to remove the skin and shred the meat after cooking.
Step 4: Assemble and Cook in the Crock Pot
Place the collard greens in your crock pot, then add the bacon, bacon grease, and ham hocks if using. You can also add aromatics like garlic, shallots, or onion for additional flavour. For a simple seasoning, add salt, pepper, and water to the crock pot. Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the collard greens are tender, you can serve them with your desired accompaniments. Some suggestions include vinegar, Tabasco, lemon wedges, beans, and rice. Enjoy your freshly prepared collard greens!
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Other ingredients to add
Collard greens are a southern staple, often served during the holidays. They are a leafy dark green vegetable with a tough stem that runs up the entire leaf, which should be removed before cooking. The leaves should be washed thoroughly, as they can be sandy, and then torn into strips.
When cooking collard greens in a crock pot, you can add a variety of other ingredients to enhance the flavour. The most common additions are bacon, ham hocks or shanks, and some form of seasoning. The bacon can be cooked in a skillet or in the crock pot itself, if it has a sauté function, until the fat renders. The rendered bacon fat can then be added to the crock pot, along with the bacon, ham hock, and collard greens.
Other ingredients that can be added to the crock pot include:
- Minced garlic
- Apple cider vinegar
- Salt
- Pepper
- Water
- Onion
- Bay leaves
- Olive oil
- Broth
- Sugar
- White wine vinegar
- Baking soda
- Pickled or fresh jalapeno
These ingredients can be added to the crock pot and cooked on high for around 3-4 hours, or on low for 6-8 hours, until the ham hocks are tender. The meat can then be shredded and returned to the crock pot, and the dish is ready to be served warm.
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What to serve collard greens with
Collard greens are a delicious and versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of mains and sides. Here are some ideas on what to serve with collard greens:
Cornbread
Cornbread is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with collard greens. It is easy to make and only requires a handful of pantry staples such as flour, yellow cornmeal, sugar, salt, baking powder, butter, egg, and milk. The sweetness of the cornbread creates a beautiful contrast with the savoury collard greens.
Mac and Cheese
For an indulgent and comforting meal, serve collard greens with creamy mac and cheese. This combination is like a warm hug on a cold day. To make it even more indulgent, try adding some cream cheese to your mac and cheese for an extra creamy and rich dish.
Black-Eyed Peas
Collard greens and black-eyed peas are a match made in culinary heaven. This combination is a classic New Year's combo in the Southern United States and is believed to bring good luck. The earthy flavour of collard greens complements the creamy texture of black-eyed peas.
Grilled Chicken Breasts
If you're looking for a lighter option to serve with collard greens, grilled chicken breasts are a perfect choice. The juicy, flavorful chicken pairs well with the savoury collard greens, creating a satisfying and healthy meal.
Pork Chops and Mashed Potatoes
For a hearty and indulgent meal, serve collard greens with pork chops and mashed potatoes. The gravy from the pork chops bathes the collard greens, creating a delicious and flavourful combination. Pair this meal with a bold red wine, such as Pinot Noir, for the ultimate dining experience.
Steamed White Rice
For a simple and neutral base to accompany collard greens, steamed white rice is an excellent choice. It allows the flavour of the collard greens to shine while providing a hearty and filling component to the meal.
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How to store and reheat collard greens
Collard greens are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal. If you're looking to store and reheat them, here's a step-by-step guide to ensure they stay fresh and tasty:
Storing Collard Greens:
- Washing and Cleaning: Start by giving the collard greens a thorough wash. They tend to hold onto dirt within the ribs of the leaves, so be sure to rinse each leaf individually in cold water. You can also add a dash of salt to the water, as this helps remove any stubborn dirt.
- Removing Stems and Chopping: After washing, remove the thick stems from the collard greens. You can do this by folding each leaf in half and tearing the stem away or by using a paring knife or kitchen scissors to cut along the stem. Once the stems are removed, chop or tear the leaves into strips or your desired size.
- Drying the Greens: Before storing, it's important to dry the collard greens. You can do this by gently patting them with paper towels or clean dish towels. Removing excess moisture will help prevent spoilage and extend their shelf life.
- Storing in the Refrigerator: If you plan on using the collard greens within a few days, store them in an airtight container or a clean plastic bag in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days.
- Freezing the Greens: If you want to store the collard greens for longer, freezing is a great option. Place the prepared greens in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Label the bags or containers and store them in the freezer for up to 3 to 6 months.
Reheating Collard Greens:
- Reheating Frozen Collard Greens: Take the desired portion of frozen collard greens out of the freezer. Transfer them directly into a pot on the stovetop. Add a small amount of broth or water to prevent scorching and stir frequently over medium-low heat until the greens are heated through.
- Reheating Refrigerated Collard Greens: If you have leftover collard greens in the refrigerator, you can reheat them in a similar way. Place them in a pot on the stovetop and warm them over medium heat until they reach your desired temperature. You can also add a small amount of broth or water to keep them from drying out.
By following these steps, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious collard greens multiple times, making the most of this versatile and healthy vegetable!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 3 to 4 hours to cook collard greens on high in a crock pot.
Collard greens can be cooked with ingredients like ham hocks, bacon, garlic, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and water.
The minimum cooking time for collard greens in a crock pot is 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low.
Cooking collard greens in a crock pot allows them to cook slowly, infusing the flavours of the ingredients. It also frees up valuable stovetop space.
Yes, canned collard greens can be cooked on high in a crock pot for about 2 hours until tender.
