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There is nothing quite like a comforting, hearty side dish to elevate your meals, and this Instant Pot Collard Greens Recipe does just that with ease and flair. Infused with the smoky richness of salt pork or bacon and gently tenderized in savory chicken broth, these collard greens become irresistibly flavorful in a fraction of the time traditional methods take. Whether you’re craving a taste of Southern charm or a simple way to bring vibrant greens to the table, this recipe makes the process effortless and the results absolutely delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Instant Pot Collard Greens Recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each item plays a unique role in building layers of texture, flavor, and color, coming together to produce greens that are both tender and full of character.
- 20 ounces Collard greens or turnip greens: Fresh and sturdy greens trimmed and chopped, they form the hearty base of the dish.
- 6 ounces Salt pork or bacon: Adds a smoky, savory depth; opt for thick-cut bacon if you prefer a slightly crisp finish.
- 1 cup Chicken broth: Moistens the greens and enhances their flavor with rich, meaty undertones.
- ½ cup Onion (diced): Brings a gentle sweetness and aromatic quality to balance the smoky pork.
- 2 tablespoons White vinegar: Provides a bright, tangy contrast that cuts through the richness and lifts the overall flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the best in every bite.
How to Make Instant Pot Collard Greens Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Salt Pork and Onions
Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the SAUTE function. Add the diced salt pork or bacon along with the chopped onions, cooking them together until the pork starts to crisp and the onions soften into a translucent, fragrant base. This initial step lays down the fundamental savory notes that make the dish sing.
Step 2: Deglaze with Chicken Broth
Once the pork and onions have developed their delicious color and smell, pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pot. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up those browned bits clinging to the bottom—the secret to intensifying flavor. After this, press CANCEL to stop the SAUTE function, ensuring your greens don’t overcook.
Step 3: Add Vinegar and Greens
Stir in the vinegar for that signature tang, then carefully pack the collard or turnip greens into the pot until it’s about two-thirds full. This layering is crucial for the greens to cook evenly and absorb the rich broth while maintaining their vibrant texture.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Greens
Place the lid securely on the Instant Pot and turn the valve to SEALING. Set the pressure cooker to HIGH PRESSURE and let it run for 10 minutes. This quick cooking method tenderizes the greens perfectly without losing their fresh flavor or turning them mushy.
Step 5: Perform a Quick Release
When the timer sounds, carefully switch the valve to VENTING to release the pressure quickly. This step is essential to stop the cooking process immediately, preserving the ideal tenderness and vibrant color of the greens.
Step 6: Season and Stir
Remove the lid and give everything a good stir to blend all the flavors evenly. Finish off your Instant Pot Collard Greens Recipe by seasoning with salt and pepper as desired, adjusting until the taste is just right for your palate.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Your perfectly cooked collard greens are now ready to be savored. Dive in and enjoy the blend of smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors that make this dish such a comforting classic.
How to Serve Instant Pot Collard Greens Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes just before serving can brighten and spice up the dish beautifully. If you’re feeling indulgent, crumble some crispy bacon on top to echo the meatiness within and add a delightful crunch.
Side Dishes
This Instant Pot Collard Greens Recipe pairs wonderfully with Southern staples like cornbread, crispy fried chicken, or slow-cooked pork barbecue. It also makes for a wholesome addition alongside roasted potatoes or creamy grits for a well-rounded, soul-satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these greens over toasted garlic bread or toss them with cooked pasta and a drizzle of olive oil for a quick side dish with a bit of an Italian flair. You can even use them as a vibrant filling for savory pies or stuffed sweet potatoes to mix things up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Collard greens from this Instant Pot Collard Greens Recipe keep very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen with time, making leftovers just as delightful as freshly made.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, freezing is a great option. Let the greens cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. They will maintain good quality for 3 months and thaw quickly when needed.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the greens on the stovetop over low heat or microwave them until heated through. Adding a splash of broth or water while reheating helps regain the original moist texture without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of greens besides collard greens?
Absolutely! This Instant Pot Collard Greens Recipe also works beautifully with turnip greens, mustard greens, or kale, though cooking times might vary slightly depending on the toughness of the leaves.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can skip the salt pork or bacon and substitute vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. Adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke will help give the dish that savory, smoky flavor without the meat.
Why is vinegar used in the recipe?
The white vinegar adds a bright, tangy balance to the rich and smoky elements, cutting through heaviness and enhancing the overall flavor profile of the greens.
Can I cook this recipe without an Instant Pot?
While this Instant Pot Collard Greens Recipe is designed for pressure cooking convenience, you can simmer the ingredients on the stove in a covered pot for about 45 minutes to an hour until the greens are tender.
How do I know when the greens are done?
The greens should be tender but still hold some texture—not mushy. The pressure cooking for 10 minutes strikes that perfect balance, but if you prefer softer greens, you can extend cooking time by a few minutes.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about how a good batch of collard greens can warm you from the inside out, and this Instant Pot Collard Greens Recipe makes that warmth accessible in just a snap. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make these tender, flavorful greens a new favorite in your kitchen. Once you do, you’ll see how fast and delicious cooking greens can be with a little help from your Instant Pot.
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Instant Pot Collard Greens Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
This Instant Pot Collard Greens recipe offers a flavorful and tender Southern classic cooked quickly using an electric pressure cooker. Featuring smoky salt pork or bacon, savory onion, tangy vinegar, and rich chicken broth, these greens become tender and infused with deep flavor in just 15 minutes of pressure cooking. Perfect as a hearty side dish to any meal, this recipe simplifies preparing collard greens while maintaining authentic Southern taste.
Ingredients
Greens
- 20 ounces Collard greens or turnip greens, stem removed and roughly chopped
Meat
- 6 ounces Salt pork or bacon, diced into about 1/4-inch pieces (can substitute 6–8 slices thick cut bacon)
Others
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- ½ cup Onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons White vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Set your Instant Pot to the SAUTE function. Add the diced salt pork or bacon along with the diced onions. Cook these ingredients, stirring occasionally, until the salt pork begins to crisp and the onions become softened and translucent, creating a flavorful aromatic base.
- Deglaze the pot: Pour the chicken broth into the pot. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen and lift any browned bits stuck from sautéing the pork and onions. These bits add extra flavor. Once deglazed, press CANCEL to stop the SAUTE function.
- Add vinegar and greens: Stir in the white vinegar. Then, pack the roughly chopped collard or turnip greens into the pot until it is about two-thirds full, making sure the greens are submerged in the liquid and mixed well with the sautéed ingredients.
- Seal and pressure cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid in place and turn the steam release valve to the SEALING position. Set the Instant Pot to cook on HIGH PRESSURE for 10 minutes.
- Quick release pressure: When the cooking time expires, carefully perform a quick release by turning the valve to VENTING. This will release all pressure rapidly. Wait until the float valve drops before opening the lid.
- Finish and season: Remove the lid and stir the collard greens to evenly distribute the ingredients. Taste and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Serve: Your delicious, tender Instant Pot collard greens are now ready to enjoy as a savory side dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit salt pork or bacon.
- If you prefer a smokier flavor, use thick-cut bacon instead of salt pork.
- Adjust vinegar amount to taste for desired tanginess.
- For tougher greens, you can increase pressure cooking time by an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
