Braised Greens with White Wine, Bacon and Apples

Sometimes you just need a killer bowl of greens. Though these Braised Greens with White Wine, Bacon and Apples are a bit of a fake-out on a healthy dish because they're laden with bacon and wine (duh)—but that's what makes them so tasty!

When you pick up brussel sprouts from the farmers market or grocery store and they're on the stalk with a huge head of leafy greens on top (I love this cause they look kinda jurassic!), don't waste those leaves! They're totally usable, much like kale or collard greens... but just a little bit tastier.

If you didn't know they had come off of a giant stalk of brussel sprouts, you wouldn't exactly know what they were. But they do have a little hint of that cabbage-y sweetness.

And cooked down with some bacon, white wine and apples, these babies are gonna rock your weeknight!

If you don't have brussel leaves (they're not super common outside of Fall!), kale leaves, collard greens or swiss chard would all work perfectly!

Serve these as a side or on top of some rice or pasta.

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Braised Greens with White Wine, Bacon and Apples

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Servings 4 sides

Ingredients

• 1 big bunch of brussel sprout greens the big leaves at the top of the stalk—or a bunch of collards, swiss chard or kale would work great!
• 5 slices thick-cut bacon
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 small onion diced
• 1 cup white wine
• 1 medium apple any firm variety is great!
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

• In a large stock pot, brown bacon over medium heat until cooked through, about 10 minutes. Remove them the pot and drain on a paper towel. Cut slices into small pieces and set aside.
  
• Remove all but 1 1/2 tablespoons of the bacon grease from the pot. Toss the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes into the pot and let brown for 2 minutes.
  
• Add the diced onion to the pot and saute for 3 minutes. Pour in 1/2 the wine and scrap the bottom of the pot to get up all the good bits! Bring the liquid to a simmer.
  
• Cut greens into bite-sized pieces and add to the pot. Stir to coat the greens. Add in the sea salt, pepper, thyme, and Italian seasoning.
  
• Toss the apple, crushed bacon and the rest of the wine into the pot. Let cook down for 10 minutes, then serve!