Sautéed Greens with Garlic and Spice
Sautéed Greens with Garlic and Spice is a vibrant and nutritious dish that showcases fresh greens like chard, collards, kale, or mustard with a robust flavor profile. This recipe embraces the Southern tradition of cooking greens while elevating them with a touch of garlic, the heat of jalapeño, and a hint of vinegar for brightness. The greens are sautéed to perfection, ensuring they retain their nutritional value and delightful texture. This dish makes a perfect accompaniment to cornbread or can be enjoyed as a delicious standalone meal. With this recipe, you can savor the flavors of the South in a healthier way that everyone will enjoy.
4
Servings
38
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Greens
2 bunches (Rinsed and coarsely chopped (Chard, collards, kale, or mustard))
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Garlic Cloves
4 (Thinly sliced)
Jalapeño Pepper
1 (Seeded and finely minced (optional))
Red Pepper Flakes
1-3 pinches (To taste)
Sherry Wine Vinegar or Cider Vinegar
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Kosher Sea Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Plus more to taste)
Instructions
1
Rinse the greens thoroughly by transferring them between two sinks filled with cold water until the water runs clear, ensuring all sediment is removed.
2
Remove the tough stems from the greens and discard them along with any old or yellowed leaves to avoid bitterness. Coarsely chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
3
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over high heat. Add the sliced garlic, minced jalapeño, and red pepper flakes. Sauté briefly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4
Add the chopped greens to the skillet in batches, stirring gently to allow each handful to wilt before adding more. Continue until all greens are added, ensuring they are well coated with oil and spices.
5
Stir in the vinegar and salt. Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 2 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, depending on the type of greens and your desired texture.
6
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if necessary. Serve warm as a side dish or as a main course alongside cornbread.
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
3.75g
Carbs
1.75g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
0.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sautéed Greens with Garlic and Spice?
This is a vibrant and nutritious dish featuring fresh greens such as chard, collards, or kale, flavored with garlic, jalapeño, and vinegar.
What types of greens can be used for this recipe?
You can use chard, collards, kale, or mustard greens.
How should I clean the greens?
Rinse them thoroughly by moving them between two sinks filled with cold water until the water runs clear of sediment.
Should the stems be removed?
Yes, remove the tough stems and discard them along with any old or yellowed leaves to avoid bitterness.
How should the leaves be chopped?
The leaves should be coarsely chopped into bite-sized pieces.
What kind of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves.
Is the jalapeño pepper mandatory?
The jalapeño is optional and should be seeded and finely minced if used.
How much spice should I add?
Add 1 to 3 pinches of red pepper flakes depending on your preference.
Why are the greens added in batches?
Adding them in batches allows each handful to wilt properly and ensures they are well coated with oil and spices.
How long should the greens cook?
After covering the skillet, cook for 2 to 10 minutes depending on the type of greens and your desired texture.
What type of vinegar is recommended?
You can use either sherry wine vinegar or cider vinegar.
How much vinegar is used?
The recipe requires one tablespoon of vinegar.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 38 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 2 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving has 3.75 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in the dish?
The dish contains 1.75 grams of protein per serving.
Is this recipe high in fiber?
Each serving provides 1.5 grams of fiber.
How much sugar is in the greens?
There is 0.5 grams of sugar per serving.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
What should I serve with these greens?
They are traditionally served as a side dish with cornbread or can be enjoyed as a main course.
What is the benefit of adding vinegar?
Vinegar adds a hint of brightness and balances the robust flavors of the greens and garlic.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is a nutrient-dense, low-calorie dish that retains the nutritional value of the fresh greens.
How much salt is needed?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of kosher sea salt, plus more to taste.
What is the origin of this cooking style?
This recipe embraces the Southern tradition of cooking greens but with a lighter, sautéed approach.
Can I use frozen greens?
The recipe is designed for fresh bunches of greens to ensure the best texture and flavor.
How do I adjust the heat level?
You can adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of red pepper flakes and including or excluding the jalapeño.
How long do I sauté the garlic and peppers?
Sauté them for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant before adding the greens.
Should the greens be cooked covered or uncovered?
They should be cooked covered for the final 2 to 10 minutes to help them soften.