Greens with Bacon (Couve a Mineira)

Ingredients

• 2 pounds collard greens or kale
• 6 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Remove stems from collard greens; cut leaves into 1/2-inch wide strips. Pour boiling water over collard greens. Let stand for 5 minutes.
2. Drain thoroughly.
3. Fry bacon until crisp; remove with slotted spoon and reserve.
4. Stir garlic and collard greens into bacon fat; cook and stir for 2 minutes.
5. Cover and cook over low heat until collard greens are tender, about 15 minutes longer.
6. Stir in salt and pepper.
7. Garnish with reserved bacon.

Yield: 6 servings