How do you cook collard greens in the crockpot? I tried to cook them last night but they came out very bland. Maybe I used too much water. I used the large 30 oz pre-cut bag of collard greens, 1 pack ham hocks, 1 Tbsp. salt, 2 Tbsp. sugar, and 5 cups of water. I have a large crockpot. Can anyone advise on what I did wrong?
By Onesummer
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You can pour some of the liquid out into a large saucepan, and put it on the stovetop burner on med-high, until reduced down to about half the volume, then let it cool. Taste to see if it still needs something for flavoring, like a bit more salt, black pepper, sugar, or even a little bit of red pepper.
Once you have the 'liquor' tasting just right, pour it back on the greens, and mix well. Taste it again, and adjust as needed. When you use the crock for vegetables, you don't need near about the amount of water you would have used on top of the stove. Hope it works out for you!
You probably do have too much water, because the crockpot does not need it as much. Reduce that, add pepper, a bit more sugar, and an apple (seriously). It adds a wonderfully subtle flavor!
Onesummer, for that amount of greens add 1 cup finely diced red onion, 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic, 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes and you'll have oodles of wonderful flavor! If the amounts I mention worry you just try half the amount the first time. Oh, and reduce your water to no more than 3 cups.
Lessen the amount of water used and add chicken stock and little vegetable oil (canola or whatever you prefer) in its' place. I don't precook my hamhocks; however, there must be enough liquid to make sure that they cook thoroughly.
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