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Sautéed Collard Greens with Slab Bacon

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Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Grace Parisi

Crisp and juicy pieces of slab bacon and just the right hit of red wine vinegar bring the perfect tangy-porky balance to these slow-cooked Southern greens.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    25 minutes

  • Yield

    6–8 servings

Ingredients

1

/2 pound slab bacon, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1

medium onion, finely chopped

3

garlic cloves, finely chopped

2

pounds collard greens (about 3 bunches), thick stems trimmed, leaves cut crosswise into wide ribbons

1

/2 cup red wine vinegar

1

tablespoon sugar

Kosher salt

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cook bacon in a large wide pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden and crisp, about 15 minutes. Add onion, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened and lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.

    Step 2

    Add collard greens. Increase heat to high and cook, stirring occasionally, until just wilted, about 8 minutes. Add vinegar and cook, stirring frequently, until liquid is almost evaporated, 5–7 minutes. Stir in sugar and 6 cups water; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until collard greens are tender, about 1 hour. Transfer to a platter and season with salt.

  2. Do ahead

    Step 3

    Collard greens can be cooked 2 days ahead; cover and chill. Warm in a covered large wide pot with 1–2 Tbsp. water over medium heat, about 8–10 minutes, just before serving.