Sautéed Collard Greens with Slab Bacon

A hearty Southern-style side dish featuring tender collard greens slow-cooked with crispy slab bacon, onions, and garlic in a slightly sweet and tangy sauce.

6 servings
1 hr 46 min

Ingredients

  • ½ pound slab bacon
  • 1 medium onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 pounds collard greens
  • ½ cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • to taste Kosher salt

Cooking Instructions

  1. 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.

    21 min

  2. 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.

    75 min

  3. 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.

    10 min