Braised Collard Greens

Ingredients

• 2 bunches collard greens, stems removed, leaves roughly chopped
• 4 strips bacon, diced (or 1 smoked ham hock)
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt, pepper, hot sauce

Method

1. Render bacon until crispy. Add onion, cook 4 min. Add garlic, 1 min.

2. Add greens in batches (they wilt down). Add stock, vinegar, sugar.

3. Simmer partially covered 40–50 min until very tender.

4. Season with salt, pepper, hot sauce.

What You're Practicing

• Low and slow is the key — collards need time to become silky tender.
• The vinegar brightens the pot liquor (the cooking liquid) — which is the best part. Drink it or sop it up with cornbread.