These vegetarian Instant Pot collard greens cook for just 4 minutes. They're as flavorful & tender as greens that have braised for hours.
Collard greens can be a a quick and easy side dish if, that is, you cook them in a pressure cooker. Instant Pot collard greens are tender and flavorful, with a slightly bitter flavor that is delicious with all types of meat and also great in a bowl of rice with a fried egg on top.
This is a vegan recipe, however, so don't hesitate to serve these healthy greens with a side of beans, grains, and/or tofu instead. I really like collard greens served with my Instant Pot Turmeric Coconut Rice.
How to Clean & Cut Greens
Collards tend to have dirt clinging the leaves, so make sure to rinse the greens well (I use a two-step process). I don't bother drying the leaves because the moisture helps steam and soften the leaves as they cook.
- Rinse the leaves well under running water or soak them in a large bowl of water
- Tear the leaves from the stems
- Put the leaves in a bowl of clean water (I use the bowl of my salad spinner) and soak and swish for a minute or two
- Drain off the water
- Stack the leaves up in a pile (about 6 at a time) then roll the leaves up like a cigar
- Use a sharp knife to slice the rolled leaves into thin strips
Can I Eat the Stems?
The stems of collard greens (and kale) are edible, but are usually too tough and chewy to be enjoyable. I always tear the leaves from the stems before cooking collards.
However, if you don't want to discard the stems, then patiently cooking them will make the stems less tough and fibrous.
- Blanch (briefly boil) the long stems to soften
- Cut the stems into thin, small pieces
- Saute gently or add the stems a slow simmered soup
Why Add Vinegar or Lemon to Greens?
Vinegar is sometimes added to collard greens during the slow braising process on the stove. The acidity of the vinegar helps soften the greens. Vinegar isn't necessary when cooking collard greens in a pressure cooker.
Instead, I usually add a drizzle of apple cider vinegar or squeeze of lemon at the end of the cooking process, simply to add more flavor.
Add Pork!
There's no denying that the smoky flavor of pork is delicious (and traditional) with collard greens. You can add pork to this recipe by first sauteing small pieces of bacon in the Instant Pot, then adding the onion and garlic.
Recipes That Pair with Collard Greens
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Instant Pot Collard Greens
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 4
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These vegetarian/vegan Instant Pot collard greens cook for just 4 minutes. They're as flavorful & tender as greens that have braised for hours.
Total Instant Pot Cooking Time: About 5 minutes to reach pressure + 4 minutes on high pressure + instant release
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ an onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped or thinly sliced
- ½ cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large bunches collard greens, stemmed, leaves sliced into 1-inch wide ribbons
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Press the Instant Pot Saute button (see note below about adjusting the saute heat)
- Add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the onion and garlic. Saute for about 5 minutes, until onion has softened.
- Add broth, tomato paste and salt. Mix well and bring to a simmer for 1 minute.
- Turn off the saute function and add the collard greens. The leaves will pile up high on top of the broth and onion mixture; no need to mix them in. Secure the lid, making sure the steam release valve is in the sealed position.
- Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
- When the cooking time is done, instantly release the pressure.
- Stir the collard greens really well so that the greens are covered with the tomato and onion mixture.
- Add a squeeze of lemon before serving.
Notes
How to Adjust the Instant Pot Saute Heat: There are 3 levels of heat when you saute in the Instant Pot: More, Normal and Less. I often find that the setting for "More" heat is too hot, and whatever I'm sauteing burns to the bottom of the pot. To adjust the saute heat, first press the Saute button, then press the "Adjust" button to move the red light under "Normal" or "Less."
I always keep a tube of tomato paste in my refrigerator, making it easy to add small amounts of tomato paste to recipes.
- Category: side dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: collard greens, instant pot collard greens, greens
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Anjali
I had no idea it was so easy to make perfect collard greens in the instant pot!! This was an excellent side dish for our dinner this evening!
★★★★★
Biana
What a great idea to make Collard greens in the Instant Pot! So much easiest and faster than on the stove.
★★★★★
Tara
Oh wow! You had me at just four minutes! These collard greens look incredible and I love how easily they come together.
★★★★★
Beth
This is mine and my hubby’s favorite recipe! I love that I can make it in my instant pot!
★★★★★
Claudia Lamascolo
I guess after all these years I am the last person to have never tried these greens. I just go that pot and now I am eager after reading this never knew how to cook them thanks!
★★★★★