Basic Garlicky Greens
Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash
This is a simple “go-to” recipe that works well for all kinds of greens! The flavor can be easily adapted to suit your taste. Try balsamic vinegar and add dried fruit for a sweeter dish, or skip the red pepper flakes if you’re not a lover of spice. Fresh herbs can also be added at the end. If using more tender greens like spinach or arugula, the cooking time will be short — keep any eye out for the leaf color to intensify and brighten.
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Basic Garlicky Greens
Ingredients
1 large bunch greens of your choice (chard, kale, or collard greens)
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil2-3 cloves garlic, minced (or to taste)
Pinch of red chili pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 teaspoon of kosher or sea salt (or more, to taste)
Juice of 1/2 lemon or vinegar to taste
Instructions
Wash the leaves well in a large bowl of cold water and strain in a colander. Remove stems and thick mid-ribs from your greens.
Stack a few leaves atop one another at a time, roll into a cigar, and cut into strips. Repeat until all leaves are cut.
If you’d like to use the midribs, slice them thinly. Otherwise, discard them or save to use in a soup stock.
Heat the oil in a large skillet or stir-fry pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and red chili flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute.
If using midribs, add these to pan first and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add the greens and salt to the pan and cook until leaves turn bright green.
Taste to determine whether leaves have reached desired tenderness. If using particularly tough greens like large curly kale, add a splash of water to the pan and cover for 1-2 minutes.
Remove greens from heat and stir in lemon juice or vinegar, to taste.
Variations
Add a handful of dried fruit when garlic is added
Add cherry tomatoes or bell pepper with greens
Caramelize 1/2 onion (sliced) along with garlic
Top with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese
Nutrition Information (4 servings): 70 calories; 4 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat; 2 grams protein; 7 grams carbohydrate, 1 grams fiber, 0 grams sugar, 150 mg sodium.