Southern Style Rice & Beans

Preparation time: Beans = 6-10 hours cooking time in crockpot, 1/2 hour hands-on; Rice = 45 minutes cooking time

• 2 C. dried pinto beans, picked over and rinsed
• 2 - 4 slices bacon (optional)
  
• 4 - 6 C. water
• 1/8 C. olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 head fresh greens (kale, collard greens, spinach, etc.), chopped
  
• 4 tsp. minced garlic
  
• 1/2 - 1 tsp. thyme
• salt & pepper to taste
• 1 C. chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 C. brown rice
• water to cook rice

 Place beans and bacon in a crockpot with 4-6 C. of water; cook on low for 6 - 10 hours, until beans are soft and cooked through.  Drain excess liquid, remove bacon strips, and set aside.  Prepare rice according to package directions.  In a large skillet or sauce pan, heat olive oil over medium high heat.  Add onions and saute for ~5 minutes, then add greens, garlic, and seasonings.  Stir in broth and beans and bring to a low simmer.  Cook until greens are tender.  Serve over rice.