This is a flavorful combination of fresh kale and mustard greens with bacon. Garlic, onion, and some crushed red pepper add to the smoky flavor of the bacon and a splash of vinegar adds brightness. It’s also easy to make the greens vegetarian by omitting the bacon out and using vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
How To Wash Greens
Greens are notorious for attracting dirt; even if labeled “washed,” you should rewash them. Wash the greens thoroughly in the sink with a few changes of cold water. Feel the bottom of the sink for sand, and keep washing until no gritty residue is left.
PrintKale and Mustard Greens With Bacon
Bacon adds flavor to these delicious mixed greens. Feel free to use vegetarian bacon or omit it if you like.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Vegetables, Side Dish, Greens
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound fresh kale
- 1 pound mustard greens
- 8 strips bacon (diced)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (or to taste)
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the greens a few times in cold water until you feel sure there is no grit left clinging to the leaves. Cut out the thick stems and discard them. Chop the greens and set aside.
- In a large Dutch oven or saucepan over medium heat, fry the diced bacon. Cook, stirring, until the fat is rendered and it is beginning to crisp. Add the chopped onion and black pepper to the skillet and continue cooking for about 5 to 6 minutes, or until the onion is lightly browned.
- Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes longer. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add the chopped greens a little at a time, adding more as they wilt down into the broth. When all of the kale and mustard greens are in the pan, add the vinegar, sugar, and crushed red pepper.
- Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for about 1 hour, or until very tender.
- Taste and add salt, to taste.
