Recipe

Southern Cooked Greens

Ingredients

1/2 pound sliced bacon, chopped
3 cups chopped yellow onions
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Pinch of cayenne
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons minced shallots
1 tablespoon minced garlic
6 cups water
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar vinegar
6 pounds assorted greens, such as mustard greens, collard greens, turnip greens, kale, and spinach, well washed and tough stems removed

Fry the bacon in a large, heavy pot over medium heat until slightly crisp. Add the onions and season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Cook, stirring, until the onions are wilted and golden, 6 to 7 minutes. Add the brown sugar and stir to dissolve. Add the shallots and garlic and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the water and vinegar and mix well. Begin adding the greens, about a third at a time, pressing the greens down as they begin to wilt. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, uncovered, until the greens are soft, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Serve hot.