Collard Greens and Beans

Ingredients

• 3 stripss bacon , coarsely chopped
• 1 red onion , thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic , or to taste
• 5 cups collard greens , stems and center ribs discarded and leaves chopped
• 0.75 cups water , or as needed
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes , or to taste
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 can cannellini beans , 15 ounce

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook bacon in a large, deep pan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate; set aside. Reserve drippings in pan.

2. 2

   Reduce heat to medium-low. Add onion to the pan; cook and stir until begins to brown, scraping bits off the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon, about 8 minutes. Add garlic; cook and stir 4 minutes. Return bacon to the pan; stir in collard greens, toss gently until greens are wilted, about 3 minutes.

3. 3

   Add water to almost cover collard greens; stir in brown sugar, vinegar, pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, cover the pan, and reduce heat to low. Simmer until greens are very tender, 1 to 2 hours, stirring in cannellini beans 30 minutes before serving; return to a simmer.