COLLARD GREENS GRATIN

COLLARD GREENS GRATIN image

Yield 6 to 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

5 cups heavy cream
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 (1-lb.) packages chopped collard greens
8 bacon slices, diced
2 cups chopped yellow onion
1/2 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1 tablespoon olive oil

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Bring first 2 ingredients to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, and simmer 30 minutes or until reduced by half. Stir in 1 cup cheese. 2. Stir together cornstarch and 1 Tbsp. water. Whisk into cream mixture until thickened. 3. Cook collards in boiling salted water to cover 5 to 7 minutes or until tender; drain and pat dry with paper towels. Cool 10 minutes; coarsely chop. 4. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring often, 8 to 10 minutes or until crisp. Add onion, and cook 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in collard greens, and cook, stirring constantly, 3 minutes. Stir in cream mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste. 5. Pour mixture into a lightly greased 11- x 7-inch baking dish. Stir together panko, olive oil, and remaining 1 cup cheese; sprinkle over collard mixture. 6. Bake at 350° for 35 to 40 minutes or until breadcrumbs are golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.