Beans, greens... and bacon!

Jeff always says everything tastes better with bacon. Possibly true, if not healthy. I'm always on the lookout for a new recipe for beans - they're healthy and a great change to rice or potatoes. This recipe is quick and simple. I found it on epicurious, but made some changes to reduce the amount of fat. Here's my version:

Beans, greens and bacon

• 1 15 oz. can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 4-5 slices of bacon
• 1 small red onion or 1/2 large
• 3 cloved garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
• Leaves from one bunch of Swiss Chard, washed and chopped into big pieces
• 1/3 c. beef broth
• 1 Tbsp. Sherry
• Salt and pepper

Cook the bacon and set on paper towels to crisp. When cooled, chop or break into bite-sized pieces. Discard all but 1 Tbsp. of the bacon grease. Add Olive oil to the grease and heat over medium/high heat. Add the onion and saute until softened. Add the garlic and saute another 30 seconds. Add the Swiss Chard and cook about 4 minutes, turning once until Swiss chard is wilted. Reduce heat to medium. Add the beans, broth and sherry. Stir and allow to cook about 4 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.

This cooks in minutes and is great with grilled meat. We also plan to try it with some fish as the bacon will lend a nice smokiness to a simple piece of grilled fish.