Tillie Doyle
Collard greens are a leafy dark green vegetable that is part of the cabbage family. They are known for their bitter taste and tough stems and fibres. However, when cooked in a crock pot, collard greens become tender and flavourful, absorbing the flavours of the broth and other ingredients. Crock pots are ideal for cooking collard greens as they allow the greens to cook slowly and gently, resulting in a perfectly cooked, tangy, and smoky dish. In this article, we will explore the process of cooking collard greens in a crock pot, including preparation, cooking time, and serving suggestions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Crockpot Size | 4-quart for smaller batches, 7-quart for larger batches |
| Ingredients | Collard greens, smoked meat (e.g. ham hocks, bacon, smoked turkey legs), broth, vinegar, salt, pepper, sugar, olive oil, garlic, onion |
| Preparation | Wash collard greens, remove stems, tear leaves into strips, place smoked meat in crockpot first, cook on low heat for 6-8 hours |
| Serving Suggestions | Cornbread, black-eyed peas, barbecue, Southern-inspired meals, blackened green beans, sautéed sweet potatoes, Greek yogurt coleslaw |
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What You'll Learn
Preparation: Wash, trim and tear the collard greens
To prepare collard greens, start by giving them a good wash under cold running water to remove any dirt. You may want to repeat this process a few times, until the water runs clear. You can also add some baking soda to the water, which will help to remove any bitterness. Once they're nice and clean, dry the collard greens thoroughly.
Next, you'll want to remove the tough stems. You can do this by folding each leaf in half over the stem and using a knife to slice along the stem to cut it out. Alternatively, you can simply trim off the stems, especially if you plan to cook the greens for a long time, which will soften the stems anyway.
Finally, tear or cut the collard greens into your desired size. You can stack a few leaves on top of each other, roll them up, and then slice them into thin strips, or simply tear them into large pieces.
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Meat: Add smoked meats, like bacon, ham hocks or shanks
When cooking collard greens in a crock pot, adding smoked meats like bacon, ham hocks, or shanks can infuse the dish with a smoky flavour. Here's a step-by-step guide for incorporating these meats:
Bacon
Bacon is a versatile option that can be cooked directly in the crock pot or skillet before adding the collard greens. Start by cutting your chosen bacon into small pieces or strips. If your slow cooker has a sauté function, spray it with cooking spray, then cook the bacon for 5 minutes. If not, use a skillet over medium heat. After 5 minutes, add onions and cook for another 8 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Transfer the bacon and aromatics to your crock pot, then proceed with the recipe.
Ham Hocks or Shanks
Ham hocks or shanks are another popular choice for collard greens. To incorporate them, start by boiling the ham hock or shank in a pot with chicken broth and water. You can also add aromatics like onions, garlic, and bay leaves to build flavour. Once the ham is tender, after about 1-2 hours, remove it from the broth and set it aside. Then, slowly add the collard greens to the broth until they are wilted and tender. Transfer the greens to your crock pot, then shred the meat off the ham bone and add it to the crock pot with the greens.
Tips and Variations
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon or ham and add smoked paprika to achieve a similar smoky flavour.
- Try using different types of bacon, such as turkey, pork, or beef, depending on your preference and desired fat content.
- If using canned collard greens, you can add bacon, brown sugar, vinegar, and red pepper flakes to enhance their flavour.
- When serving, consider adding hot sauce to complement the smoky flavour of the meat.
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Vegetables: Include onions, garlic, jalapenos and bay leaves
When preparing collard greens, it is important to select fresh ingredients. Look for collard greens with sturdy, vibrant leaves and stiff stems. Avoid greens with yellowed or wilted leaves as these will not taste as good and will have lower nutritional value.
Before cooking, cut away the tough stalks and stems from the collard greens and discard any leaves that are bruised or yellow. Wash the collards thoroughly to remove any grit, two or three times, until the water runs clear. Then, dry the leaves thoroughly. Tear the leaves into large pieces.
For crockpot collard greens, it is recommended to cook the vegetables separately before adding the collard greens. Start by placing a large pot over medium heat and adding some olive oil. Next, add the chopped onions, followed by the garlic and bay leaves. Cook these ingredients for around 8 to 10 minutes, until the onions are soft and starting to brown.
At this point, you can add the jalapenos. Pickled jalapenos are a great option and can be layered with the collard greens in the crockpot. Fresh jalapenos can also be used; simply chop and add them to the pot, cooking for another minute or two.
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Broth: Use chicken broth, vinegar, sugar and spices
When preparing collard greens, it is important to wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt. You can do this by filling your sink with water and vinegar, or water and baking soda. Rinse the greens under cold running water and pat them dry. Next, fold each green in half over the stem and slice along the stem to remove it. Discard the stems. Stack the leaves and roll them up, then slice them into thin strips. Repeat this process until all the greens are sliced.
Once your greens are prepared, place your smoked meats into the crockpot and then place the greens on top. To make a chicken broth mixture, you can use chicken broth, vinegar, sugar, and spices. For a single cup of greens, use three cups of chicken broth and a quarter cup of vinegar. You can add a teaspoon of sugar and spices to taste. Pour the chicken broth mixture into the crockpot and cover with a lid. It is recommended to cook on low heat for 8 hours, stirring occasionally. Do not cook these greens on high heat, as low and slow is the best way to cook collard greens.
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Cooking: Simmer on low heat for 6-8 hours
To cook collard greens in a crock pot, you'll need to first prepare the greens. Wash the collards thoroughly to remove any dirt, 2 or 3 times, until the water runs clear. You can also add some baking soda to the water to help remove any bitterness. Then, dry the leaves and cut away the tough stalks and stems. Discard any leaves that are bruised or yellow. Next, stack some leaves on top of each other and roll them up. Slice the leaves into thin strips or tear them into large pieces.
Once your greens are prepared, you can start adding the ingredients to your crock pot. Place the smoked meats into the crockpot first, such as ham hocks, ham shanks, or bacon. You can also use smoked turkey legs or necks for a vegetarian option. Then, place the greens on top. Pour in a chicken or vegetable broth mixture, or water, and add in some vinegar to help tenderize the greens and cut the bitterness. You can also add in some maple syrup for sweetness. If you want to add some spice, include some red pepper flakes or pickled jalapenos. For additional flavour, add in some chopped onion, garlic, and bay leaves. Finally, season with salt and pepper, as well as garlic salt if you have it.
Cover the crock pot with a lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally. The long, slow cooking time will allow the greens to soften and absorb all the flavours in the pot. Once the greens are tender, carefully remove the ham hock or other meat and place it in a small bowl. Use a fork to pull the meat away from the bone, then add the meat back into the crock pot and discard the bones.
Your collard greens are now ready to serve! You can enjoy them as a side dish with cornbread, black-eyed peas, or other Southern-inspired meals. Don't forget to save the pot liquor (the liquid in the pot) for later—some people like to drink it, while others use it as a base for soups or sauces.
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Frequently asked questions
Collard greens take approximately 4-6 hours to cook on high. On the stovetop, it takes about 2 hours. You can also simmer them overnight on low.
You will need collard greens, smoked meat (traditionally ham hocks) , broth or water, and seasonings. Common seasonings include vinegar, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Yes, you should wash the collard greens to remove any dirt. You can also cut away the tough stems and stalks, although this is not necessary as they will soften in the crockpot. You may also want to cut the leaves into strips or large pieces before cooking.
Smoked ham hocks or smoked turkey legs are traditional choices that will give your collard greens a smoky flavor. However, you can also use other types of smoked meat, such as bacon or chicken.
Collard greens are a versatile side dish that pairs well with many comfort food mains and sides. They are commonly served with cornbread, black-eyed peas, barbecue, or Southern-inspired meals.
