Kenyan-style Collard Greens with Lemon

Kenyan-Style Collard Greens with Lemon Recipe

Region / culture: Kenya | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Kenyan-style Collard Greens with Lemon is a delicious and nutritious dish that is packed with flavor. This recipe combines the earthy taste of collard greens with the zesty kick of lemon juice, creating a dish that is both comforting and refreshing.

History

Collard greens are a staple in Kenyan cuisine, where they are often cooked with a variety of spices and seasonings. The addition of lemon juice adds a bright and tangy flavor to the dish, making it a popular choice for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) collard greens
2 tbsp canola oil
0.5 cup finely chopped onion
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
2 medium plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped
0.25 tsp salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp lemon juice

How to prepare

Wash the collard greens in several changes of water.
Remove the stems.
Stack the greens a few at a time and cut crosswise into 0.5 inch wide strips.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the collard greens and cook for 10 minutes.
Drain and rinse with cold water.
Squeeze out the excess moisture.
Heat the oil in a large skillet.
Add the onion and jalapeno; sauté for 5 minutes.
Add the tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
Stir in the greens, salt, and pepper.
Cook for 5 minutes.
Stir in the lemon juice and cook for 1 minute.
Serve.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or carrots for added color and flavor.
Substitute spinach or kale for the collard greens for a different twist on the dish.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to wash the collard greens thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.

- Removing the stems from the collard greens will help to make them more tender when cooked.

- Squeezing out the excess moisture from the cooked collard greens will prevent them from becoming soggy.

- Adjust the amount of jalapeño pepper to suit your taste preferences - add more for a spicier dish or omit it altogether for a milder flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Kenyan-style Collard Greens with Lemon as a side dish to grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it on its own with a side of rice or ugali.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the collard greens before sautéing them helps to soften them and remove any bitterness.

- Squeezing out the excess moisture from the cooked collard greens helps to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Olive oil can be used in place of canola oil.

- Red pepper flakes can be used in place of jalapeño pepper.

Make Ahead Tips

Kenyan-style Collard Greens with Lemon can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Kenyan-style Collard Greens with Lemon with a sprinkle of lemon zest or fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Kenyan-style Collard Greens with Lemon with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Kenyan-style Collard Greens with Lemon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Kenyan-style Collard Greens with Lemon contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Kenyan-style Collard Greens with Lemon contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Kenyan-style Collard Greens with Lemon contains approximately 7 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Kenyan-style Collard Greens with Lemon contains approximately 4 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Collard greens are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as calcium and iron.

Alergens

This recipe does not contain any common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

Kenyan-style Collard Greens with Lemon is a nutritious dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Kenyan-style Collard Greens with Lemon is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the earthy taste of collard greens combined with the zesty kick of lemon juice in this delicious recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was many years ago when I was visiting a dear friend in Kenya. We were out exploring the local markets and stumbled upon a bustling stand selling the most vibrant green collard greens I had ever seen. My friend, who had grown up in Kenya, insisted that we buy some and make a traditional Kenyan dish with them.

We returned to her home and she began to chop the collard greens with such skill and precision. I watched in awe as she added a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of fragrant spices. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I knew I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

My friend patiently taught me the recipe, explaining each step and ingredient with such passion and love. She told me stories of her childhood in Kenya, and how her mother would make this dish for their family on special occasions. I could feel the connection to her roots and culture through the food we were preparing together.

As the collard greens simmered on the stove, the flavors melding together in perfect harmony, I couldn't help but feel a sense of fulfillment. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with others, to share a piece of myself through the meals I create. And now, with this new recipe in my repertoire, I felt even more connected to the world around me.

That night, as we sat down to enjoy our meal, I savored each bite of the Kenyan-style collard greens with lemon. The flavors were unlike anything I had ever tasted before - tangy and bright, with a hint of spice that lingered on my tongue. I knew that this dish would become a staple in my own kitchen, a reminder of the time I spent in Kenya and the friendships I made along the way.

Since that day, I have made the Kenyan-style collard greens with lemon countless times. Each time I prepare it, I am transported back to that small kitchen in Kenya, surrounded by the laughter and warmth of my dear friend. The recipe has become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire, a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past and to each other.

As I write this, I am preparing a batch of the collard greens to share with my family. The familiar aroma fills the air, bringing back memories of my time in Kenya and the joy of discovering a new recipe. I am grateful for the experiences that have brought me to this moment, and for the love and connection that food has brought into my life. It is a reminder that no matter where we are in the world, we can always find common ground through a shared meal and a shared love of cooking. And for that, I am forever grateful.