Name: Braised Greens with Bacon and Onion
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 6 slices bacon, cut into 1/4-inch-wide pieces; 2 tablespoons bacon fat; 1 medium red onion, halved and sliced pole to pole into 1/4-inch slices; 5 medium garlic cloves, minced or pressed through a garlic press (about 5 teaspoons); 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 pounds kale or collard greens, ribs removed, leaves chopped into 3-inch pieces and rinsed (about 24 loosely packed cups; see related step-by-step below); 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup water; Table salt; 3–4 teaspoons cider vinegar; Ground black pepper

Why This Recipe Works

We wanted a one-pot winter greens recipe with no parcooking. To achieve this, we sautéed half of the greens before adding the rest with a little bit of liquid and covered the pot. When the greens had almost the tender-firm texture we wanted, we removed the lid to allow the liquid to cook off. The result: a winter greens recipe that highlights the greens’ cabbagelike flavor and firm texture.

Before You Begin

For best results, be sure your greens are fully cooked and tender in step 1 before moving on to step 2.

Instructions

Cut 6 slices bacon into ¼-inch-wide pieces and cook over medium heat in Dutch oven until crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate and discard all but 2 tablespoons fat. Heat the 2 tablespoons of fat over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and beginning to brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and pepper flakes; cook until garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Add half of greens and stir until beginning to wilt, about 1 minute. Add remaining greens, broth, water, and ¼ teaspoon salt; quickly cover pot and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until greens are tender, 25 to 35 minutes for kale and 35 to 45 minutes for collards.

Remove lid and increase heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring occasionally, until most of liquid has evaporated (bottom of pot will be almost dry and greens will begin to sizzle), 8 to 12 minutes. Remove pot from heat; stir in 3 teaspoons cider vinegar. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and remaining 1 teaspoon cider vinegar. Stir reserved bacon into greens and serve.