Crockpot Express Southern-Style Collard Greens with Smoked Ham
Nothing Says Southern Like A Big Old Pot of Collard Greens with Smoked Pork!
Are you looking for a hearty and delicious southern-style dish that is easy to make? Look no further than Crockpot Express Southern Style Collard Greens! With the help of your Crockpot Express, you can have a flavorful and healthy meal that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
The recipe is simple and straightforward, and you can easily find all of the ingredients at your local grocery store.
Gathering The Goods!
Here's what you'll need to make Crockpot Express Southern Style Collard Greens:
Ingredients:
2 bags of frozen collard greens or Swiss chard
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 cup of diced smoked ham
4 cups of unsalted chicken broth
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1-2 tbsps of brown sugar
1/2 tsp of red chili flakes
1/2 tsp of black pepper
Salt to taste
Instructions:
Prepare all of your ingredients. Start by peeling and dicing your onion and dicing your smoked ham.
Add all of your ingredients to your Crockpot Express, except for your frozen collard greens or Swiss chard.
Put the lid on your Crockpot Express and make sure the pressure valve is closed.
Hit the “manual” button and then the “turbo express button” and set for high heat for 30 minutes. Allow to heat up and cook.
Once the cooking process is complete, turn the pressure valve and release the steam. Once all the steam is gone, remove the lid.
Stir your pot liquor and add in your frozen greens.
Stir everything together well, making sure everything is nice and coated and submerged in the liquid.
Once everything is submerged, put the lid back on.
Repeat step 4.
Repeat step 5.
Once everything is done, give a quick stir.
Serve immediately with some cornbread and bread and butter pickles. Enjoy!
Why Each Ingredient?
With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal that is packed with nutrients and flavor. The collard greens or Swiss chard are full of vitamins and minerals, while the smoked ham adds a smoky and savory flavor to the dish.
The apple cider vinegar and brown sugar give the dish a touch of sweetness and tanginess, while the red chili flakes and black pepper provide a subtle kick of heat. You can adjust the amount of chili flakes and black pepper to suit your taste.
Crockpot Express Southern Style Collard Greens are a great side dish for any meal. They pair well with grilled chicken, pork chops, or even roasted turkey. You can also serve them as a main course with some rice or quinoa.
In conclusion, Crockpot Express Southern Style Collard Greens are a must-try dish for anyone who loves southern-style cuisine. They are easy to make, healthy, and delicious. So, get your Crockpot Express ready, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a tasty and nutritious meal!
The History of Meat and Greens
Collard greens have a long history in Southern cuisine, with roots dating back to the 16th century. This leafy green, a close relative of cabbage, has been a popular staple in Southern cooking for generations, often served as a side dish to complement meat dishes such as ham, pork, and fried chicken.
Collard greens were a widely grown vegetable in Southern gardens, prized for their nutritional value and year-round availability. They were particularly popular among families in the South, who used them in their cooking and served them during holidays and special occasions.
Today, Southern-style collard greens continue to be enjoyed throughout the United States, and the recipe has evolved to include a variety of different ingredients and cooking methods. Crockpot Express Southern Style Collard Greens is a modern take on this classic dish, providing a quick and easy way to prepare delicious and nutritious collard greens.
What To Serve With Your Southern-Style Greens?
Crockpot Express Southern Style Collard Greens is a flavorful and nutritious dish that pairs well with a variety of other Southern-style foods.
Here are a few suggestions for what you can serve with this recipe:
Cornbread: Cornbread is a classic Southern side dish that pairs perfectly with collard greens. You can either make your own cornbread from scratch or use a pre-made mix. Try My Recipe Here: Granny Sue's Crispy Cornbread Recipe.
Black-eyed peas: Black-eyed peas are a traditional Southern dish that can be served alongside collard greens. They are often seasoned with bacon or ham and make for a hearty and delicious side dish. Try My Recipe Here: Southern-Style Black-Eyed Peas & Bacon Recipe.
Mac and cheese: Mac and cheese is a crowd-pleasing side dish that complements the flavors of collard greens. You can use your favorite recipe or try a Southern-style version that includes a blend of cheeses and a crispy breadcrumb topping. Try My Recipe Here: Southern-Style Baked Macaroni & Cheese Recipe.
Fried chicken: Fried chicken is a classic Southern dish that pairs well with collard greens. The crispy, salty skin of the chicken is the perfect contrast to the tender, flavorful greens. Try My Recipe Here: Buttermilk Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe.
Sweet potato casserole: Sweet potato casserole is a popular Southern side dish that is often served during the holidays. The creamy sweet potatoes, crunchy pecan topping, and sweet marshmallow layer make for a delicious complement to collard greens.
Bread and butter pickles: Bread and butter pickles are a tangy and sweet pickle that pairs well with the flavors of collard greens. They add a refreshing crunch to the meal and help balance out the rich flavors of the other dishes. Try My Recipe Here: Apple Cider Vinegar Dill Pickles Recipe.
These are just a few suggestions for what you can serve with Crockpot Express Southern Style Collard Greens. Feel free to experiment with different side dishes and find the perfect combination that works for you.
Tips and Tricks of The Trade For Better Greens!
While Crockpot Express Southern Style Collard Greens is already a delicious and flavorful dish, there are a few things you can do to make it even better.
Here are a few suggestions:
Use fresh collard greens: While this recipe calls for frozen collard greens, using fresh collard greens can take the dish to the next level. Fresh greens have a more vibrant flavor and texture that can really elevate the dish.
Use homemade chicken broth: While store-bought chicken broth works fine in this recipe, using homemade broth can add an extra layer of flavor to the dish. You can make your own chicken broth by simmering chicken bones, vegetables, and herbs in water for several hours.
Add more spices: If you like your collard greens to be spicier, you can add more chili flakes or black pepper to the recipe. You can also experiment with other spices such as cumin, paprika, or garlic powder to add more depth of flavor.
Add a ham hock: While diced ham adds a nice smoky flavor to the dish, adding a ham hock can really take it to the next level. The ham hock adds a rich, meaty flavor and also helps to thicken the pot liquor.
Add vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is already included in this recipe, but you can experiment with different types of vinegar to see what you like best. Balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar can also add a tangy flavor to the dish.
Cook on low heat: While this recipe calls for cooking on high heat for 30 minutes, you can also try cooking on low heat for several hours. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a richer, more complex flavor profile.
These are just a few suggestions for how you can make Crockpot Express Southern Style Collard Greens even better. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and cooking methods to find the perfect combination for your taste buds.
What To Do With Your Leftover Greens and Smoked Pork?
If you have any leftovers of Crockpot Express Southern Style Collard Greens, you can easily store them for later consumption.
Here are a few tips on how to properly store and reheat your leftovers:
Store in an airtight container: Once the collard greens have cooled down, transfer them to an airtight container. This will help to keep them fresh and prevent any odors from leaking out.
Refrigerate promptly: Make sure to refrigerate your leftovers promptly, ideally within two hours of cooking. Collard greens are a perishable food item and can spoil quickly if left at room temperature for too long.
Use within three to four days: Collard greens can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. If you haven't consumed them within this time frame, it's best to discard them.
Reheat thoroughly: When reheating your leftovers, make sure to heat them thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any bacteria. You can reheat them in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven.
Add more liquid if necessary: When reheating your collard greens, you may find that they have dried out a bit. If this is the case, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to help moisten them up.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your leftovers of Crockpot Express Southern Style Collard Greens are stored safely and reheated to perfection. Enjoy your delicious collard greens for days to come!
Make Them Tonight For Supper, You Won’t Believe How Good They Are!
In conclusion, Crockpot Express Southern Style Collard Greens is a delectable dish that you won't regret trying. With its rich and savory flavors, it's the perfect complement to any meal, making a wonderful side dish or meal on its own. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or preparing a family meal, this recipe is sure to impress everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Make this recipe today and experience the mouth-watering taste of Southern cuisine for yourself!