Smoky Collard Greens

From 10/1/07 First Magazine. Traditional collard greens are cooked with ham hocks. This recipe uses bacon to add smoky flavor in just minutes.

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 lbs  collard greens, cleaned, trimmed and cut into strips
• 4  slices bacon
• 4  garlic cloves, peeled and sliced
• 2  leeks, cleaned and chopped
• 1  red bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. In large pot, bring 4 quarts salted water to a boil. Stir in collard greens. Cook 15 minutes, or until tender; drain.
2. Meanwhile, in skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon 7 minutes, or until crisp, turning once. Drain bacon on paper towels; cool and crumble.
3. In skillet with bacon drippings,k cook garlic, leeks and peppers 2 minutes. Stir in cooked collard greens and cook 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Transfer mixture to serving platter. Top with crumbled bacon.