Kickin' Vegetarian Collard Greens

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 large onion , halved and thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic , thinly sliced
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme , leaves stripped
• 2 bays leaves
• 2 cans chopped tomatoes , 14 ounce
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1 tablespoon liquid smoke flavoring
• 2 pounds collard greens , chopped
• 1.5 cups cooked white beans , Optional

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat until butter melts and starts to brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until onion turns translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in thyme and bay leaves.

2. 2

   Pour chopped tomatoes, vegetable broth, brown sugar, molasses, and liquid smoke into the pot; bring to a simmer. Stir in collard greens gently. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until tender, about 30 minutes.