Recipe: Slow Cooker Messa Collards

SLOW COOKER "MESSA" COLLARDS

"Collard greens are popular in the southern states, where they are often cooked for hours on top of the stove. A slow cooker is just the thing to cook a 'messa' collards without standing over the pot. Wash the collards well to remove all traces of sand and grit. Liquid Smoke, available in supermarkets, add a nice depth of flavor to the collards."

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 pound collard greens, trimmed of heavy stems, well washed, and coarsely chopped
1 cup vegetable stock (or water)
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 1/2 tablespoons cider vinegar (or 1 teaspoon Liquid Smoke)

Pour oil into a 3 1/2 to 4 quart slow cooker. Set the heat on HIGH, add the onion and garlic, cover, and cook while you prep the remaining ingredients.

Once prepped, add the collards and stock to the slow cooker and season with salt and pepper.

Change the heat setting to LOW, cover crock pot, and cook for 6 hours, until the collards are tender.

Just before serving, stir in the vinegar or Liquid Smoke.

Makes 4 servings
Source: Fresh from the Vegetarian Slow Cooker by Robin Robertson