Bacon Braised Greens

Bacon Braised Greens

Ingredients:

- 2 bunches of collard greens

- 1 package of Jake's bacon, chopped

- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

- 1 tablespoons maple syrup

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Wash the collard greens thoroughly under cold water. Remove the tough stems and ribs, and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

2. In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. 

3. In the same skillet with the bacon, add the thinly sliced onions. Sauté them over medium heat until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Now, add the chopped collard greens to the skillet, a few handfuls at a time. Stir well to coat the greens with the bacon grease, onions, and garlic.

6. Pour in the apple cider vinegar and maple syrup. Stir again to combine all the ingredients evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the collard greens simmer for about 10-40 minutes, or until they have reached your desired tenderness. (We like them a bit crunchy in our family, but others prefer them cooked down more.) 

8. Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking. 

9. Once the collard greens are tender, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more vinegar or maple syrup according to your preference for acidity or sweetness.

10. Serve the braised collard greens hot as a side dish or as a bed for your favorite protein. Enjoy!