Fill a large pot with water and simmer smoked meat until water has reduced by 3/4 ( about 1 to 1.5 hours) or until tender (water should be reduced so that only about 1 inch remains).
In a sauté pan render bacon in olive oil until crispy. Remove bacon from oil.
In the same bacon oil, add chopped onion, celery, garlic and bell pepper to sauté pan.
Sauté until vegetables are tender and translucent. Remove from heat.
Add chopped collard greens to broth simmer for 10 minutes.