Quick Collard Greens

  

  Southern food has a certain flavor and richness that can be hard to resist.  I think everyone in our family has a special love for fried  chicken and I have yet to master an awesome recipe that can compare to the real thing.  I'm almost there but not quite. Hopefully I need just a couple more tries and it will be perfect!  While you are waiting, here is a side dish that will add a touch of southern to your plate. 

  Most collard greens are braised in a golden liquid for hours.  It is delicious but honestly I don't have that kind of time. My husband, Damon, actually came up with this recipe years ago when he was rushing to throw some things together for lunch.  It's evolved since then and I finally had a chance to write it down.

  Collard greens (and many other dark leafy greens) are loaded with vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, calcium and many more nutrients.  It has a ton of health benefits and should be added to your plate pretty often.  Collard greens have a tough center rib that needs to be removed before cooking it.  I cut the rib and stem out and stack the leaves on a cutting board.  I then make four cuts horizontally and then vertically.  It creates 

perfect little squares and is the quickest way for me to cut a huge bunch in no time.  I am all about saving time.  

  Of course I add bacon!  You can be crazy and not include bacon to make this into a vegetarian dish, but I might question what type of person you are.  I also add hot sauce to the collards because it tastes really good that way.  You can always alter as your palate allows. I typically add 1 tsp and my kids can handle it, but if you aren't one for spice don't add as much or don't add any.  Here's the thing, you can always add more heat later but you can't take it away, so go slow.  I reach for a local hot sauce that is made in the Chicagoland area called Majave Habanero.  This sauce is super yummy and delicious.  It has heat but also has a great flavor.  You should go get some. Right now.  You'll thank me later.  You're welcome.

Quick Collard Greens

Serves:4-6

Prep Time:20 minutes

Cook Time:15 minutes

Total Time:35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 bunches of collard greens, rib removed and cut into squares
• 1/2 onion (about 1/2 cup), diced
• 2 large garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 TBSP bacon fat or olive oil
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 TBSP veggie or chicken stock (low sodium)
• 1/2 tsp honey
• 1/2 tsp to 2 tsp Majave Habanero Hot Sauce or your favorite vinegar based hot sauce to taste. *optional*
• 4 to 6 pcs of bacon, chopped into pieces

Instructions:

1. Prepare bacon. Easy way to make bacon.
2. Add 1/2 TBSP of bacon fat or olive oil to pan over med/high heat. Next, add onions to hot pan. Cook for about 5 minutes until slightly brown, stirring occasionally. 
3. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to a minute. Stir to make sure it doesn't burn. 
4. Add 1/2 TBSP of fat and then add collard greens. Greens will need to be added slowly in batches.  Make sure to mix with onions and garlic while you add. 
5. Stir in apple cider vinegar, stock, honey and hot sauce. Cook for about 10-15 minutes.
6. Finally, mix half the bacon in the greens and then top with remaining bacon to add some crunch.