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Plate of Southern style Mustard Greens with crispy Bacon.

Mustard Greens with Bacon

A cozy and smoky side dish featuring mustard greens and crispy bacon, perfect for any comfort meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 2 bunches Mustard greens About 2 large bunches
  • 6-8 slices Bacon Thick cut is great
  • 1 small Onion, diced
  • 2-3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 cup Chicken broth Or water, but broth adds more flavor
  • 1-2 teaspoons Apple cider vinegar To brighten things up
  • 1 pinch Sugar or honey Optional, helps balance bitterness
  • Black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes Optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Wash the greens really well. Mustard greens can hide grit like it is their job.
  2. Strip or chop the stems. If they are huge, strip the leaves off. If they are medium, chop everything and cook a few minutes longer.
Cooking
  1. In a big pot or deep skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Set aside on a plate.
  2. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
  3. Add diced onion and cook until soft, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic for the last 30 seconds to avoid burning.
  4. Add greens in handfuls, allowing them to wilt.
  5. Pour in chicken broth, add black pepper and optional red pepper flakes. Cover and simmer for about 15 to 25 minutes.
  6. Stir in apple cider vinegar and taste. Adjust bitterness with sugar or honey if necessary, and crumble bacon back in before serving.

Notes

Do not rush the wash to remove grit. Keep some bacon fat for flavor. Simmer covered for tenderness but uncover at the end to reduce liquid. Adjust flavors with vinegar, sugar, and salt carefully.