BACON CHEESE GRITS WITH COLLARD GREENS

Bacon Cheese Grits with Collard Greens image

Provided by Patrick and Gina Neely : Food Network

Time 45m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

4 slices bacon, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 cups chicken stock
2 cups whole milk
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup quick cooking grits
1 cup grated smoked Gouda
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Butter, to finish
Chopped chives, for garnish
1 large bundle collard greens (about 1 pound), washed well
1 tablespoon olive oil
5 garlic cloves, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup chicken stock

Steps:

For the Grits:
Add the bacon to medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir with a wooden spoon until some of the fat is rendered. Add the onion and saute until tender and the bacon is cooked and crisp, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Add the chicken stock, milk, and salt and pepper, to taste, and bring to a boil.
Once boiling, gradually add the grits in a low steady stream, whisking continually. Reduce the heat to low and stir frequently until the liquid is almost absorbed and the grits are thick, about 10 minutes.
Add the smoked Gouda, whisking all the while to melt the cheese. Stir in heavy cream and butter. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper, if needed. Sprinkle with chives and serve immediately with the Collard Greens.
For the Collard Greens:
Remove and discard the tough stems and center ribs of the collard greens. Stack the leaves and roll tightly into a cylinder. Thinly slice the collards into ribbons about 1/16th of an inch thick. Repeat with any remaining collard greens.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. When the oil shimmers add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds. Add the collard greens, toss quickly with tongs, and saute until bright green, about 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in the chicken stock and cook until the liquid evaporates, another 2 minutes. Serve immediately with the Grits.