Spicy Collard Greens

Spicy Collard Greens Recipe - A Delicious Vegetarian Dish from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 4

Introduction

Spicy Collard Greens is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for those looking to add some heat to their meal. This recipe combines the earthy taste of collard greens with the spicy kick of jalapeno pepper, creating a dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Collard greens have been a staple in Southern cuisine for centuries. Originally brought to the United States by African slaves, collard greens have since become a popular dish in many households. This recipe takes the traditional collard greens and adds a spicy twist, making it a modern and exciting take on a classic dish.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) collard greens
2 cups vegetable stock

3 to 4 leaves fresh basil or

0.5 tsp dried basil leaves
2 tsp virgin olive oil
0.75 cup chopped onion
1 tbsp grated gingerroot
1 tsp chopped jalapeno pepper
0.25 tsp sesame oil
pepper to taste
1 tsp sesame seeds

How to prepare

Rinse the greens thoroughly with tepid water and slice them into thin strips. Place them in a saucepan along with the stock and basil. Cover the saucepan and cook for approximately 30 minutes, or until the greens become tender. Heat oil in a non-stick skillet and sauté the onion and garlic. Stir in the gingerroot and jalapeno pepper. Add the collard greens and continue stirring until the liquid has evaporated. Season with sesame oil and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Nutritional information per serving: 1 vegetable exchange + 0.5 fat exchange. Calories: 0 mg cholesterol, 7 g carbohydrates, 2 g protein, 28 mg sodium, 3 g fat.

Variations

For a milder version of this dish, you can omit the jalapeno pepper or reduce the amount used. You can also add other spices or seasonings to customize the flavor to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When cooking collard greens, be sure to rinse them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Slicing the greens into thin strips will help them cook more quickly and evenly. Adding the jalapeno pepper towards the end of cooking will ensure that the heat is not lost during the cooking process.

Serving Suggestions

Spicy Collard Greens can be served as a side dish alongside your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken or fish. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and flavorful meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making delicious Spicy Collard Greens is to cook the greens until they are tender but still have a bit of bite to them. Be sure to stir the greens frequently to prevent them from sticking to the pan.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have collard greens on hand, you can use kale or Swiss chard as a substitute. You can also use vegetable broth instead of vegetable stock if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

Spicy Collard Greens can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the dish in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

To make this dish look even more appetizing, sprinkle some additional sesame seeds on top before serving. You can also garnish with a sprig of fresh basil for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Spicy Collard Greens pairs well with a variety of proteins, such as grilled shrimp, tofu, or pork. It also goes well with grains like quinoa or brown rice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Spicy Collard Greens can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the greens in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spicy Collard Greens contains approximately 100 calories, making it a light and nutritious option for any meal.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spicy Collard Greens contains approximately 7 grams of carbohydrates. This makes it a great option for those looking to add some healthy carbs to their diet.

Fats

With only 3 grams of fat per serving, Spicy Collard Greens is a low-fat option that is perfect for those looking to eat a balanced and healthy diet.

Proteins

Each serving of Spicy Collard Greens contains 2 grams of protein, making it a good source of this essential nutrient.

Vitamins and minerals

Collard greens are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. These nutrients are essential for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains sesame oil and sesame seeds, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, Spicy Collard Greens is a nutritious and delicious dish that is perfect for those looking to add some heat to their meal. With a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, this dish is a great option for anyone looking to eat a healthy and balanced diet.

Summary

Spicy Collard Greens is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for those looking to add some heat to their meal. With a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, this dish is a great option for anyone looking to eat a healthy and balanced diet.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Spicy Collard Greens. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her quaint little cottage in the countryside. Martha was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and on this particular day, she was preparing a feast for a family gathering.

As I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the mouth-watering aroma of simmering collard greens. The smell alone was enough to make my stomach rumble with hunger. I watched intently as Martha worked her magic, adding a variety of spices and seasonings to the pot. It was clear that these collard greens were going to be something special.

Curious, I asked Martha where she had learned to make such a delectable dish. With a twinkle in her eye, she explained that the recipe had been passed down through generations in her family. She had learned it from her own grandmother, who had learned it from her mother before her. It was a cherished family recipe, and Martha was proud to continue the tradition.

I couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. I had always loved cooking, but I didn't have any secret family recipes to call my own. Martha must have sensed my longing, because she offered to teach me how to make her famous Spicy Collard Greens that very day.

With a wide grin, Martha handed me a pen and a piece of paper. She began to dictate the recipe to me, each ingredient and instruction carefully detailed. I scribbled furiously, determined to capture every nuance of the dish. As I wrote, I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation building within me. I couldn't wait to try my hand at making these collard greens myself.

After Martha had finished reciting the recipe, she handed me a bundle of fresh collard greens from her garden. "Go on, give it a try," she encouraged me. With her guidance, I set to work, chopping, seasoning, and simmering the greens until they were tender and flavorful.

The moment of truth came when I took my first bite of the Spicy Collard Greens. The flavors exploded in my mouth, a perfect harmony of heat, sweetness, and earthiness. It was a taste unlike any other, and I felt a rush of pride knowing that I had created it with my own two hands.

From that day on, I was hooked. I made Martha's Spicy Collard Greens every chance I got, experimenting with different variations and tweaks to make the recipe my own. I shared the dish with friends and family, who all raved about its deliciousness.

As the years passed, I continued to hone my craft, learning new techniques and flavor combinations to enhance the dish even further. I sought out other cooks and grandmothers, eager to exchange recipes and stories about our culinary traditions. Each new recipe I acquired became a treasure, a piece of someone else's history that I could make my own.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing a batch of Spicy Collard Greens for my grandchildren, I can't help but smile. This recipe has become a part of my family's heritage, a link to the past and a promise for the future. And just like Martha did for me all those years ago, I pass on the recipe with love and pride, knowing that it will continue to bring joy and nourishment for generations to come.