Barbecue Enthusiasts

The Remarkable and Unmissable Guide to How Long to Cook Collard Greens in Pressure Cooker

Written By Avi Green
The Remarkable and Unmissable Guide to How Long to Cook Collard Greens in Pressure Cooker

If youre a barbecue enthusiast, you probably already appreciate the vibrant, flavorful greens that complement grilled meats perfectly. Collard greens have always been a barbecue staple, and theres no doubt that cooking them right can make a significant difference in your overall meal experience. In this article, well dive deep into how long to cook collard greens in a pressure cooker to perfection, ensuring that they retain their nutrients while blending seamlessly with your barbecue.

Understanding Collard Greens

Collard greens are a type of leafy green vegetable that belongs to the same family as kale and broccoli. They are renowned for their slightly bitter taste and rugged texture, making them a robust side dish for rich, smoky barbecue flavors.

Traditionally, cooking collard greens was a lengthy process, often requiring hours of slow cooking. However, the advent of the pressure cooker has revolutionized this process, making it quicker and much more efficient.

how long to cook collard greens in pressure cooker

Why Use a Pressure Cooker?

Pressure cookers are fantastic tools in the kitchen, especially for busy barbecue enthusiasts who dont want to spend all day preparing side dishes. The key benefits of using a pressure cooker for collard greens include:

  • Reduced Cooking Time: What once took hours can now be achieved in minutes.
  • Retention of Nutrients: Pressure cooking helps retain more vitamins and minerals compared to other methods.
  • Enhanced Flavor: The pressure cooker allows the greens to absorb flavors more effectively.
how long to cook collard greens in pressure cooker

How Long to Cook Collard Greens in Pressure Cooker

So, the big question is, how long to cook collard greens in pressure cooker? The answer can vary slightly based on personal preference and the specific recipe you're following, but heres a general guideline.

Preparation Time

Before you even start cooking, there are a few preparation steps needed to ensure your collard greens come out perfectly.

  1. Cleaning and Trimming: Rinse the greens thoroughly to remove any dirt and grit. Trim the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Blanching (Optional): If you prefer, blanching the greens for a couple of minutes before pressure cooking can help retain their vibrant color.

Cooking Time

Once your greens are prepared, cooking time in the pressure cooker is quick:

  • Basic Collard Greens: Cook on high pressure for 5-7 minutes, followed by a quick release.
  • With Seasoning and Broth: If you want to add broth, onions, garlic, and seasoning, cook for 8-10 minutes on high pressure, then use a quick release.

It's essential to avoid overcooking the collard greens, as they can become mushy. Stick to these time guidelines for the best results.

Adding Flavor to Your Collard Greens

One of the most exciting aspects of cooking collard greens is the variety of flavors you can infuse into them. Pairing your greens with barbecue often means adding rich and deeply aromatic elements such as:

  • **Smoked Bacon or Ham Hocks:** These give a smoky, pork-infused taste that pairs brilliantly with grilled meats.
  • **Garlic and Onions:** Fundamental ingredients that add a base flavor profile to your greens.
  • **Spices and Herbs:** Try additions like red pepper flakes, thyme, or bay leaves for an added kick.
  • **Broth:** Chicken, beef, or vegetable broth adds depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Perfect Collard Greens in a Pressure Cooker

Let's put theory into practice with this step-by-step recipe:

Ingredients

  • 1 lb collard greens, cleaned and trimmed
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 smoked ham hock or 4 slices of bacon, chopped
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. **Preparation:** Rinse and trim the collard greens, cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
  2. **Saut:** Using the saut function (if available), cook the bacon or ham hock until browned. Add diced onions and garlic, cooking until onions are translucent.
  3. **Combine Ingredients:** Add the collard greens, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
  4. **Pressure Cook:** Secure the lid and set your pressure cooker to high pressure for 8 minutes.
  5. **Release Pressure:** Perform a quick release, being careful to avoid escaping steam.
  6. **Season:** Add salt and pepper to taste, stirring well before serving.

Pairing Collard Greens with Your Barbecue

No barbecue spread is complete without delightful side dishes that enhance your grilled meats. Collard greens are traditionally paired with:

  • **Pork:** From ribs to pulled pork, collard greens will balance out the savory, fatty flavors.
  • **Chicken:** Whether grilled or smoked, chicken and greens are a match made in heaven.
  • **Brisket:** The robust flavors of brisket are beautifully complemented by the slightly bitter and savory greens.

FAQs

Can I use frozen collard greens?

Yes, you can use frozen collard greens. There's no need to thaw them first; you can add a minute or two to the cooking time.

Can I make collard greens in advance?

Absolutely! Collard greens can be made a day ahead and often taste better as the flavors meld. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Are collard greens healthy?

Indeed, collard greens are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with fiber and antioxidants. When cooked in a pressure cooker, they retain much of their nutrient content.

For more detailed tips, check our guide on cooking lamb, frozen chicken, and other meats in the pressure cooker.

For additional insights on pressure cooking, visit this Food Network guide.

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(180 Cu. In. (2 Pack)
$35.43
(2 Pack) Ocean'S Halo, Organic Soy-Free Spicy Korean BBQ Sauce, 12 Ounce
$48.00
(Hot&Spicy) CJ Korean BBQ Original Sauce Chicken & Pork Marinade 29.6 Ounce (1)
$27.98
(Set of 3) Heavy Duty Vegetable Grill Baskets for Outdoor Grill, Stainless Steel Veggie Grilling Basket for All Grills, BBQ Gifts for Men, 1 Large & 2 Small
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, 24025BMT, Cast 2-Burner, Liquid Propane Gas Grill, Black
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, 60936, Grill Light Cob Handle Mount,Black
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, Deli Slices, Hickory Smoked, 5.5 Oz
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, Inc. 1423 Broiler Brush, Black
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, One Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan Seasoning Mix, 1.5 Oz
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, Santa Maria Style Seasoning, 7 Oz.
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- BBQ Grill Cleaner Oil | 100% Plant-Based & Vegan | Best for Cleaning Barbeque Grills & Grates | Use with Wooden Scrapers, Brushes, Accessories & Tools | Great Gift for Dad! (8Oz)
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- Black Nitrile Gloves, Hypoallergenic Co-Polymer 6 Mill Thickness, Disposable Gloves, Powder Free, Non Sterile, Ambidextrous, Finger Tip Textured, Dispenser Pack of 100, Size. Medium.
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- Carolina Barbeque Sauce, Gourmet Carolina Sauce, Tangy BBQ Sauce with Tomato Vinegar, Premium Ingredients, Made with Gluten-Free Ingredients (20 Oz)
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- Double Pre-Seasoned, Square Carbon Steel BBQ Grill Griddle, Made in USA - Perfect for Gas Grill - Durable, Flat Top Grill Pan - 1/4" Thick, 14" X 18"
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- Magnetic Barbecue BBQ Light Set for Grilling - 6 Alkaline AAA Batteries Included - Works on All Grills with an Exception to Stainless Steel.
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- Master Grill Pan, Korean Traditional BBQ Grill Pan - Stovetop Nonstick Indoor/Outdoor Smokeless BBQ Cast Aluminum Grill Pan
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- Meat Claws Bbq Grill Accessories Set - 2 Silicone Gloves, Claws for Pulled Pork, BBQ Thermometer - Perfect Smoker Accessories Grilling Tools Gift Set for (Orange Glove-Thermometer-Claw)
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- Monterey Seafood Seasoning and Hog Wild Cajun Seasoning, Gluten-Free Bbq Rubs and Spices for Smoking
$55.17
- Onyx Collection, 12-Inch Grill Pan, Coated with New Teflon Platinum Non-Stick Coating (PFOA Free) (12-Inch)
$87.98
- Professional Grade Chef Apron for Kitchen, BBQ & Grill
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- Stovetop Indoor Korean BBQ Nonstick Grill Pan With, Pfoa-Free, Dishwasher Oven Safe, Made in Korea
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-Outdoor Gas Pizza Oven, Rotating Propane Pizza Grill Oven for Exterior Backyard Pizza Maker with 14" Pizza Stone, Portable Pizza Ovens for outside with Pizza Peel,Pia,Cutter,Gloves and Thermometer.
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. the Safer Grill Cleaning Brush. All Natural. No Metal Bristles.
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07047 Cool Touch Electric Griddle
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1-Piece 16.50 Inch Cast Iron Griddle Plate | Reversible Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Grill Pan for Gas Stovetop | Double Sided Used on Open Fire & in Oven | Pre-Coated with Oil
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100% All-Natural Hardwood Pellets - Maple Wood (20 Lb. Bag) Perfect for Pellet Smokers, Smoky Wood-Fired Flavor
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100% Compostable Food Prep Gloves, Restaurant-Quality,For Food Handling, Powder-Free, 100 Count, Medium, Earth Friendly Highest ASTM D6400, US BPI and Europe OK Compost Certified, San Francisco
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100% Cotton Kitchen Apron with an Adjustable Neck with Long Ties for Women Men Chef
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12 Inch round Pizza Stone, Heavy Duty Cordierite Pizza Grilling Stone, Bread Baking Stone for RV Oven, Grill and Toaster Oven, Ideal for Baking Crisp Crust Pizza, Bread, Cookies and More
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12 Inch Lightweight Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle with Cleaning Kit - Smooth Polished Surface, Easy to Clean Cast Iron Skillets Use in the Oven, on the Stove or Grill, over a Campfire
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