Is This Earth Day?

April 22nd, 2009

Basic Pot of Greens

If this is Earth Day then I guess I should be trying to think green or at least greener.

So when I think green I think in plurals. Therefore let me tell you how I cook greens.

I usually buy a large clump of collard greens, but mustard greens are ok and I have nothing against spinach. Actually some of my favorite greens are Swiss chard and beet greens.

I wash them and tear off any obvious bad spots and then I roll up a few leaves at a time and chop them into strips like noodles. Then I stick them in a pot with some water and bring them to a boil. Next I add a chopped onion and some oil (olive or vegetable) and a splash or three of wine. I like to use a dry white wine but anything not sweet will do. Sometimes I put some vinegar in as well. But that is usually when I don’t have any wine.

I have been known to put a bottle of hoppy beer in if I have no wine or vinegar but to be completely honest, it is not as good.

When the pot reaches a boil I turn down the heat and let them simmer forever. In other words, I let them simmer for a long time. Maybe like all day or at least three or four hours replacing the lost fluid as needed. When you decide they are done scoop them onto your plate or bowl with a slotted spoon leaving most of the fluid behind. Salt and pepper to taste any time during this process.

Now this is your basic vegetarian recipe for greens, but I try to never make them that way unless I have some guests coming who avoid pig altogether. I don’t criticize people who avoid the pig, but I would not feel right doing so myself.

You can go light on the oil or leave it out altogether if you have some pork. The best, in my opinion is a ham hock or two. They look gross when you get them from your butcher, but just ignore that and throw them in at the start. You will be glad you did later.

Chopped up pieces of ham work good too and sometimes if I have neither I fry up a skillet of bacon and chop them into the pot.

Anyway, Happy Earth Day, if this is indeed Earth Day and eat your greens.

Entry Filed under: General