Vegan Instant Pot Collard Greens

This simple and flavorful Vegan Instant Pot collard greens recipe will help to diversify your Instant Pot menu. You can make a tasty, nutritious, hearty pot of greens within 15 minutes using just a few simple pantry ingredients!

Collard greens, or simply “collards,” are a staple of the Southern diet. Although they are traditionally made with ham hock or salt pork, that does not mean they cannot be made without meat!

Collard greens make a perfect, easy and quick side dish if you cook them in an Instant Pot. Instant Pot collard greens are hearty, tender, and flavorful with a slightly bitter flavor. This is a vegan recipe, so don’t hesitate to serve these nutritious greens alongside Vegan Black-Eyed Peas, Vegan Cornbread, and Vegan Smothered Tofu.

What Are Collard Greens?

Collard greens, like broccoli, cabbage, spinach, mustard, and kale, are leafy greens and a part of the Brassica genus. For hundreds of years, Southern Americans have consumed these plants, which originated in North America. They’re available throughout the year, but the best months are January through April. 

Collard greens, like other Brassicas, are high in nutrients and provide numerous health benefits when consumed regularly as part of a balanced diet. They’re a New Year’s custom, and because of their likeness to folded money, they’re considered “lucky.” Collard greens are thought to bring success in the next year if eaten on New Year’s Day!

Scroll down for the detailed recipe at the bottom of the post. But, do not skip reading the collard greens’ nutritional profile and health benefits.

Nutritional Facts and Potential Health Benefits

Nutrient-dense and low in calories, collard greens are something everyone should try! Calcium, folate, and the vitamins K, C, and A, are all rich in them. Additionally, they are a good source of fiber and antioxidants. All these vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and antioxidants in collard greens provide significant health benefits.

Less research has been done on the health benefits of collard greens alone. Nonetheless, considerable research examined the collective health advantages of cruciferous vegetables such as collard greens demonstrating the following results:

Possibly Cancer-preventive

Research studies indicate that glucosinolates, sulfur-rich compounds in cruciferous vegetables such as collard greens, help lower cancer risk. In addition, these compounds may assist in the prevention of cancer at various stages of development, including breast, lung, colorectal, and prostate cancers, as well as melanoma, esophageal, and pancreatic cancers.

Cruciferous vegetables may protect against breast cancer, according to a study conducted in 2017 that included nearly 3,000 participants. But it seems essential to maintain glucosinolates to maximize the good effects of greens, meaning specific cooking techniques (such as steaming) are important.

Improves Bone Health

Collard greens are high in calcium and vitamin K, which are essential nutrients for strong bones. Calcium intake is necessary for older adults, particularly postmenopausal women. In addition, it may help to slow the gradual loss of bone that occurs as a natural part of aging.

Vitamin K is essential for the body’s calcium absorption and bone strength. If you eat enough of it every day, you will ensure that your bones are strong. This can minimize the risk of osteoporosis.

Good for Eye Health

Collard greens are nutrient-dense and beneficial to the entire body, including the eyes. Not only these leafy greens are high in vitamin A, which is shown to be essential for vision, but they also contain antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin.

Studies (1,2)  have shown these antioxidants to help prevent eye problems such as macular degeneration caused by aging, eye damage, and diabetic retinopathy.

Improve Heart Health

Research reveals that leafy green vegetables and cruciferous may be more beneficial to heart health than other vegetable families.

Collard greens improved heart health indicators such as total and LDL (bad) cholesterol, and also systolic blood pressure, according to one animal study.

Boost Digestive Health

Dietary fiber is essential for maintaining digestive health. Collard greens are a good source of fiber and water. These aid in preventing constipation, promoting regularity, and supporting digestive tract health.

Good for Skin and Hair

Collard greens are a good source of vitamin A. Vitamin A is required to form sebum, which keeps hair nourished.

Vitamin A is required for the development of all body tissues, including the skin and hair. It also helps the immune system, eyes, and other organs stay healthy.

Vitamin C helps the body produce and maintain collagen, the structural protein that gives skin and hair their shape.

How to Make Instant Pot Collard Greens?

This simple and flavorful collard greens recipe will help to diversify your Instant Pot menu. This dish is completely vegan, gluten-, and nut-free. You can make a tasty, nutritious, spicy, and hearty pot of greens within 15 minutes by using just a few simple pantry ingredients!

Ingredients

• Collard greens
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Bell pepper
• Creole seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Vegetable broth
• Salt to taste

Directions

1. Wash and drain collard greens, remove mid-stems, and chop. Set aside.
2. Turn the Instant Pot on Sauté Mode.
3. Add oil and heat, add onion and cook until the onion is soft about 2 minutes.
4. Stir in the garlic and bell pepper and cook until fragrant, another minute.
5. Add Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, oregano, and thyme.
6. Stir in the chopped collard greens, vegetable broth until the collards are beginning to wilt.
7. Close the lid of the Instant Pot, turn the knob to sealing and cook collard greens on high pressure for 5 minutes.
8. After the collard greens are cook, Quick release the pressure. To do this, turn the knob on Venting. I love to add a damp towel on top of the valve as the steam is releasing. Be careful.
9. That’s it. Your instant pot collard greens are ready to serve!

Recipe Notes

Serving … These greens are simple enough to prepare for a weeknight dinner yet have enough flavor to serve as a side dish to guests or during the holidays. They’re a delightful addition to a platter of richer, creamier food.

Storage … Collard greens can be stored in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. To freeze, keep them in sealed containers/ plastic bags with broth or liquid; so that they won’t be dry when you defrost them!

Other Vegan Holiday Recipes To Serve

1. Vegan Lentil Meatballs
2. Vegan Lentil Loaf
3. Baked Candied Yams
4. Mac And Cheese
5. Thumbprint Cookies

What do you serve with collard greens? Let me know by leaving a comment!

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