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1
Prepare the dried black eyed peas.
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2
You can use canned if you wish but cooking your beans from scratch costs next to nothing and end up with better texture and flavor.
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3
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
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4
Add the bay leaf, garlic cloves, beans and salt.
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5
Bring back to the boil, reduce heat cover and simmer gently for about 30 minutes until the beans are done.
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6
Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.
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7
Drain, reserve cooking liquid, and discard bay leaf and garlic.
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8
(Beans in liquid can be made in advance, cooled, covered, and refrigerated up to 5 days)
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9
Blanch the collards.
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10
In a saucepan bring 2 quarts of water to a boil.
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11
Add the salt and greens, cover and cook for 6 to 7 minutes.
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12
Drain in a colander, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and allow to drain thoroughly.
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13
In a large non-stick skillet cook the bacon until crisp.
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14
Remove to drain on paper towels.
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15
Discard all but two tablespoons of the bacon fat.
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16
If there's not enough bacon fat left add enough vegetable oil to make about two tablespoons.
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17
Heat the skillet over medium-high heat.
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18
Add the onions and garlic and cook until the onion is becoming translucent.
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19
Add the greens and toss to coat with the bacon fat.
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20
Add the stock, cover and simmer for 4 or 5 minutes until the liquid has been absorbed.
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21
Add some of the cooking liquid from the beans if the green dry out too quickly.
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22
Add the black eyed peas (or other beans) and toss until heated through.
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23
Add the vinegar and toss.
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24
Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
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25
Serve warm topped with the crispy bacon.