Mess o Greens

Directions

1. 1
   Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until sizzling hot (see Know-how, page 100).
2. 2
   Add the ham and cook until crispy around the edges.
3. 3
   Remove and discard the stems from the greens and tear the greens into large pieces.
4. 4
   Add the greens to the ham and season with red pepper flakes and salt and black pepper to taste.
5. 5
   Add the broth and cover the pan.
6. 6
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender.
7. 7
   Check to make sure the greens dont start to stick to the bottom of the pan; if they do, lower the heat and add a little more broth or water.
8. 8
   Taste for seasoning and add more salt and pepper, if desired.
9. 9
   Drizzle with Hot Pepper Vinegar and serve warm.
10. 10
    It should be illegal to serve Mess o Greens without Salt and Pepper Skillet Cornbread (page 57) or Creamy Cheese Grits (page 208) for sopping up the savory pot likker.