Wilted Kale with Bacon

Ingredients

• 5 bacon strips
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/3 cup cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 pounds kale (or other greens such as collard, turnip, or mustard)
• Hot sauce (optional)

Preparation

1. 1. Cook bacon in a Dutch oven or stockpot until crisp. Remove strips, crumble, and drain on paper towels.
2. 2. Melt butter with drippings over medium-high heat. Add onion and next 5 ingredients, and cook 5 minutes or until tender.
3. 3. Stir in chicken broth, cider vinegar, and sugar. Gradually add kale, and cook, stirring occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes or just until wilted. Reduce heat to medium, and cook, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes or until completely tender.
4. 4. Stir in reserved bacon; season with hot sauce, if desired.