The Easiest Way to Make Greens and Dumplings in a Slow Cooker
This recipe for greens and dumplings holds a special place in my heart. Growing up, my grandmother would make this dish every Sunday, filling our home with the comforting aroma of simmering greens and savory dumplings. It was a time for family, laughter, and stories shared around the table. Now, as I prepare this dish for my own family, I feel a deep connection to those cherished moments, and I hope to create the same warmth for my loved ones.
What Makes It Special
There are several reasons why this slow cooker recipe stands out:
- Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work for you, allowing you to enjoy your day while the meal simmers away.
- Flavorful Greens: The combination of spices and broth infuses the greens with rich flavors that are simply irresistible.
- Comfort Food: Dumplings add a delightful texture and heartiness, making this dish perfect for cozy nights in.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to include your favorite greens or add proteins for a complete meal.
Gather Your Ingredients
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Servings: 6
- 1 pound of collard greens, chopped
- 1 pound of kale, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups biscuit mix
- 1 cup milk
Let’s Get Cooking
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In your slow cooker, combine the chopped collard greens, kale, diced onion, minced garlic, vegetable broth, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
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Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the greens to become tender.
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About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the dumplings. In a bowl, mix the biscuit mix and milk until just combined.
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Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture onto the simmering greens. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
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Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this delightful dish!
My Pro Tips
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For added flavor, consider sautéing the onion and garlic in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker.
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If you prefer a heartier meal, feel free to add cooked sausage or chicken to the greens.
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Experiment with different greens like Swiss chard or mustard greens for a unique twist.
What to Serve With It
- Crusty bread for dipping
- A light salad with vinaigrette
- A glass of chilled white wine
- Apple pie for dessert
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen greens instead of fresh?
A: Yes, frozen greens work well! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the slow cooker.
Q: How can I make this dish vegan?
A: Simply use vegetable broth and omit any meat additions for a delicious vegan version.
The Heart of the Dish
This greens and dumplings recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of family traditions and the joy of cooking. Each bite brings back memories of laughter and love, reminding me of the importance of gathering around the table. I hope this dish brings you as much joy as it has brought to my family.
Your Turn
I invite you to try this recipe and make it your own! Feel free to tweak the ingredients, share your variations, and let me know how it turns out. Happy cooking!
The Easiest Way to Make Greens and Dumplings in a Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped greens (such as kale, collard greens, or spinach)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup dumplings (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crusty bread for dipping
- A light salad with vinaigrette
- A glass of chilled white wine
- Apple pie for dessert
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
- Add the chopped greens to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the sautéed greens to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the dumplings on top of the greens.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the dumplings are cooked through.
- Serve hot with crusty bread, a side salad, and your choice of dessert.
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