Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine, and for good reason. These leafy greens are packed with vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition to any meal. However, cooking collard greens can be a bit daunting, especially for those who are new to Southern cooking. Fortunately, there is an easy way to cook collard greens that doesn’t require a lot of time or effort: using a crock pot.

In this article, we will show you how to cook collard greens in a crock pot. We’ll cover everything from selecting the right ingredients to serving the finished dish. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to make delicious collard greens that are sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of cooking collard greens in a crock pot, let’s talk about the ingredients you’ll need. Here’s what you’ll need to make a basic batch of collard greens:

• 1 large bunch of collard greens (about 2 pounds)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)

When selecting collard greens, look for bunches that are deep green in color and have crisp leaves. Avoid bunches that are yellow or wilted, as this can indicate that the greens are past their prime. If you can’t find fresh collard greens, you can use frozen collard greens instead. Just be sure to thaw them before cooking.

Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to prepare your collard greens for cooking. Follow these steps to get your greens ready for the crock pot:

1. Clean the collard greens: Remove the stems from the collard greens and discard them. Rinse the leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.

2. Prepare the crock pot: Spray the inside of your crock pot with cooking spray. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the bottom of the crock pot.

That’s it! Your collard greens are now ready to be cooked. In the next section, we’ll go over the step-by-step process for cooking collard greens in a crock pot.

Preparation

Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to prepare your collard greens for cooking. Follow these steps to get your greens ready for the crock pot:

How to Clean and Chop Collard Greens

1. Clean the collard greens: Remove the stems from the collard greens and discard them. Rinse the leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.

2. Cut the onion and garlic: Chop one onion and mince three garlic cloves.

Preparing the Crock Pot

1. Spray the inside of your crock pot with cooking spray.

2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the bottom of the crock pot.

Cooking

Now that your collard greens are prepped and your crock pot is ready, it’s time to start cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Cook Collard Greens in a Crock Pot

1. Add the chopped collard greens to the crock pot.

2. Pour in four cups of chicken or vegetable broth.

3. Add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, one tablespoon of sugar, one teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon each of black pepper and red pepper flakes (optional).

4. Stir everything together to distribute the seasonings.

5. Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on high for four hours or on low for six to eight hours, or until the collard greens are tender.

How Long to Cook Collard Greens in a Crock Pot

The cooking time for collard greens in a crock pot can vary depending on the temperature and the quantity of greens you’re cooking. Generally, collard greens cooked on high will be done in four hours, while those cooked on low will take six to eight hours. The best way to tell if your collard greens are ready is to taste them. They should be tender and flavorful. If they’re still tough, let them cook for another hour or two.