Alright, let’s get down to business and make some pressure cooker collard greens with ham hock. I ain’t no fancy chef, just a regular person who likes good food, and this here recipe is about as simple as it gets. My way ain’t the only way, but it’s how I do it, and it always turns out mighty fine.
First things first, you gotta get yourself some collard greens. Now, some folks like to soak ’em, but I say that’s a waste of time. Just give ’em a good wash. You know, get all that dirt and grit off. I just run ’em under the water, rubbin’ the leaves a bit, and that does the trick. Make sure you wash them good, nobody wants gritty greens.
Then, you gotta chop ’em up. I don’t go for no fancy choppin’, just take a knife and cut ’em into strips, not too big, not too small, just right. You want ’em bite-sized, you know? Don’t be frettin’ over it too much, just get it done.
Next up is the ham hock. Oh honey, that ham hock is where the flavor’s at! You can usually find ’em at the store, right there with the other meats. I like to get a good meaty one, not too much fat, but enough to give them greens some good taste.
- Now, for the cookin’ part. Get your pressure cooker out.
- Put that ham hock in the bottom.
- Then, throw in some onions. Just chop ’em up rough, no need to be fancy.
- And garlic, gotta have garlic. I just smash it a bit and toss it in.
- After that, pour in some chicken stock. Not too much, just enough to cover the bottom a bit. We ain’t makin’ soup here.
Now, here’s a little secret some folks don’t know. I like to add a pinch of bakin’ soda. Yeah, you heard me right, bakin’ soda. It helps tenderize them greens, makes ’em nice and soft. Just a pinch mind you, don’t go overboard.
Then, you stuff them collard greens in the pot. It might seem like a lot, but they’ll cook down, trust me. Just push ‘em in there, they’ll fit. Put the lid on your pressure cooker, make sure it’s sealed tight, and set it to cook. Now, every pressure cooker is different, so you gotta follow the instructions on yours. Mine usually takes about 30 minutes or so. Follow the instructions from your pressure cooker manufacture and read them carefully for best results.
Once it’s done, let the pressure cooker release the steam naturally, that’s important. Don’t go tryin’ to rush it, you’ll mess it up. When the pressure’s all gone, take the lid off, and there you have it, pressure cooker collard greens with ham hock.
Now, that ham hock should be fall-off-the-bone tender. Take it out and shred the meat. Just use a couple of forks and pull it apart. Then, stir that meat back into the greens. Oh, it smells so good! You can add salt and pepper to taste, but I usually don’t need much, that ham hock gives it plenty of flavor.
Some folks like to add a little vinegar, or some hot sauce, but I like ‘em just like this. Plain and simple. It’s good, hearty food, the kind that sticks to your ribs. You can serve them greens with some cornbread, or some mashed potatoes, or just eat ‘em on their own. It’s up to you.
So there you have it, easy peasy pressure cooker collard greens with ham hock. It ain’t rocket science, just good home cookin’. Now go on and try it, you won’t be disappointed. And don’t be afraid to experiment a little, add your own spices, make it your own. That’s the fun part about cooking, you know? Making it your way.
And one more thing, don’t go throwin’ away that pot liquor, that juice left in the pot after the greens are done. That stuff is gold, I tell you! You can sop it up with some cornbread, or just drink it straight. It’s good for what ails you, you know? Warms you right up from the inside out.
Now, I gotta go, got some other things to do. But you go on and make them greens. And when you do, I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Tags: Pressure Cooker, Collard Greens, Ham Hock, Easy Recipe, Southern Cooking, Quick Meal, Soul Food