Smoky Collard Greens

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs collard greens, cleaned, trimmed and cut into strips
• 4 slices bacon
• 4 garlic cloves, peeled and sliced
• 2 leeks, cleaned and chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. 1

   In large pot, bring 4 quarts salted water to a boil. Stir in collard greens. Cook 15 minutes, or until tender; drain.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, in skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon 7 minutes, or until crisp, turning once. Drain bacon on paper towels; cool and crumble.

3. 3

   In skillet with bacon drippings,k cook garlic, leeks and peppers 2 minutes. Stir in cooked collard greens and cook 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Transfer mixture to serving platter. Top with crumbled bacon.