Are you looking for a healthy, delicious, and incredibly easy weeknight meal? Look no further! This slow cooker collards recipe is your answer. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this recipe lets your slow cooker do the work, infusing these leafy greens with rich, smoky flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for a cozy night in or a comforting family dinner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your healthy meal rotation. Get ready to experience collard greens like never before!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound smoked ham hock (or 1 cup chopped smoked ham)
- 1 bunch collard greens, stems removed and roughly chopped (about 1 pound)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step adds depth of flavor to the entire dish.
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Layer in Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to your slow cooker. Add the smoked ham hock (or ham), chopped collard greens, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir gently to combine.
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Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the collard greens are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully. The longer it cooks, the more tender and flavorful the collards will become.
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Shred and Season: Once the collards are cooked, remove the ham hock from the slow cooker and shred the meat. Discard the bone. Stir the shredded ham back into the collards. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your delicious slow cooker collards hot, as a side dish or a hearty main course. They pair perfectly with cornbread, rice, or even grilled chicken or fish.
Cooking Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Collards:
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Leave some space for the greens to cook evenly.
- Adjust cooking time: Thicker collard greens may require a bit longer cooking time.
- Use good quality broth: A flavorful broth enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
Variations:
- Spicy Collards: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Collards: Omit the ham hock and use vegetable broth instead. You could also add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Garlic Lovers: Add an extra clove or two of garlic for a stronger garlic flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on using 1 pound of collard greens and a 1-pound ham hock, serving size 1 cup. Nutritional values can vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes. Please consult a nutritionist or use a nutrition calculator for more precise values.
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Fiber: Approximately 8-10g
This slow cooker collards recipe is a testament to the magic of simple, wholesome ingredients transformed into a truly satisfying and healthy meal. It's a quick dinner idea that’s perfect for busy weeknights, and a delicious dish that’s sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Enjoy this easy recipe and experience the delightful flavors of homemade cooking at its best.