Outside the healthy living bubble, I realize that the following statement identifies me as a bit strange: I truly look forward to eating salad.
Back in the summertime, I made a few “green monsters,” and while I won’t deny that the taste is pretty good, I’ve never felt the need to sneak in my greens through liquid form. I actually love greens, and I nearly always have them with both lunch and dinner. I have to say: that fact makes me pretty happy.
When I started down the green path, I was a baby spinach devotee. I can’t recall exactly why I chose this one to begin – perhaps the rich color and adorable shape spoke to my visual needs.
It didn’t take me long to expand the repertoire. I went through a phase where every week, I would purchase a different leafy green, just so I had the opportunity to try them all. [We know how I like experimenting.] I found myself joyfully sautéing kale, steaming Swiss chard, finding ways to stew the bitterness out of mustard greens. As my tastebuds became more acclimated, I noticed that I truly enjoyed the flavors in the raw. The toughness of kale and the sweetness of beet greens are now two of my favorite varieties on which to base a salad. I’ve still got loyalty to my humble beginnings though, and I keep baby spinach in the mix too.
So, you get it. My fondness for greens knows no bounds. There is one exception though, and its name is collard.
During the “try every green” stage, collards obviously made an appearance. I steamed them, tossed the thick leaves with oil and garlic, pierced one with my fork, took a bite – and grimaced. Hate is a strong word. I really hated them.
I had bought a pound, and so, ever vigilant, I tried again. I didn’t dare attempt them raw, but in they went to curries, to bowls of grains, to hearty soups. I couldn’t toss the $1.99 and all the health benefits down the trash chute, so I suffered through every last leaf of the bunch. And I vowed never to buy them again.
Then, last weekend, my generous mother brought me some groceries. Sitting on top of the first bag I opened, what did I find? One pound of collard greens.
We met again. Over the past few days, I have brainstormed and I have pondered, and finally I decided: the more flavor I could cook into them, the lower the chance of a repeat grimace experience. So, I present:
stewed collard greens in peanut-tomato broth
- 1 T coconut oil
- 1/2 large vidalia onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 t cumin
- 1 t chili powder
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 c vegetable broth
- 1 pound collard greens, coarsely chopped
- 2 T peanut butter
- 1.5 c cooked chickpeas
- chopped peanuts for garnish
Heat oil in large pot. Sauté onion until soft; add garlic and sauté one minute. Add cumin and chili powder; sauté another minute. Add diced tomatoes, broth, and greens. Bring to a boil; lower heat and simmer, covered, 25 minutes.
Stir in peanut butter and chickpeas. Simmer 5 more minutes. Serve garnished with peanuts.
I didn’t actually have peanuts, but that’s all this recipe was missing. Both my sister and I ate this, and both of us had to go back for seconds.
Served with some random sides: roasted brussels sprouts and this recipe of spaghetti squash, subbing coconut oil for the butter. If you ever wondered how to transform spaghetti squash into decadence, this is the way.
I had planned on leftovers for work the following day, and the portion of collards I was left with was rather small. It was too good not to eat right out of the pot!
Operation Conquer Collards: I believe I can call this one a success.
What is your favorite green? Favorite way to eat them?
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i love salads too! last year kale salad got a special place in my heart. freshly washed kale massaged with avocado & lemon juice + big juicy tomatoes. YUM! i also adore swiss chard in soups, so good & chewy <3
I’ve also had an aversion to collard greens because the first time I had them – they came out of a can (ugh!). I’m putting this on my list.
I tried collard greens last week for the first time at a BBQ restaurant, ironically. It was the only vegetable on the menu! Raw spinach is my favorite green, served in a huge salad!
Those greens look amazing! Have never tried collards but want to.
Fav green: spinach , in salad form
Mmm I love collard greens or any green for that matter. I enjoy raw kale on occassion but steamed kale is what I crave these winter months. I’m saving your collard cooking technique in mind as that is exactly the kind of dish I like these cold months.
Spinach is my favourite, by far. I don’t mind the taste of both collards and kale, but I can’t get past the texture- admittedly, I have only had them a couple of times but I find them so tough, even after cooking. Spinach, I love raw in salads, slightly wilted (ie, just warm) as a bed for whatever I am having for dinner, or in any pasta dish. Also delicious on pizza!
haha way to make your best out of the situation!! i lovee spinach too- it is my fav and i like it in my salads/wraps/whatevaa
I’ve been curious to try collards. Right now, I stick to more basic greens (spinach, etc) but have yet to branch to kale or collards.
Kale. Steamed. Plain and simple.
people always roll their eyes at me when i say that i love salads. it’s like they think i’m lying or something? i say, you can’t go wrong with a gigantic, vibrant, and colorful salad!
i have never tried collards, or kale for that matter. i’m a little afraid and intimidated by them. so, for now at least, i’ll stick with my baby spinach!
hey! love the collards(: i never thought greens could look so delicious! my favorite is definately fresh veggies all vibrant & yummy. it makes it sort of fun? to eat. have a great friday xoxo soph
I love raw spinach. I actually put collards in my smoothies and like them chopped finely, sauteed and added to veggie soups. I love greens, and they feel so good to eat!
I look forward to eating salad too!! I’m actually planning to have one for lunch!
Wow congrats on conquering collards! I’ve only had them stewed I think, and basically thought they were tasteless.
I love greens, and I always forget how many types there are! Spinach is definitely my favorite right now, in any form
What a fabulous recipe with such an eclectic blend of spices and flavors. This strikes me as a thai/southern fusion type of recipe. Way to work it, Leslie!
Hey there!
I agree with you…I love smoothies but I love eating my greens more! I recently started getting in KALE. Its a little hard for me to chew but I read somewhere that if you squish it a little it becomes easier so I tried that and it works!
xo
JOcelyn
http://peacelovenutrition.wordpress.com/