Olive Oil-Braised Collards
by John Martin Taylor
You can cook these greens a day ahead and reheat them on the big day. I like to serve them with hot pepper vinegar.
Serves twelve.
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
7 lb. collards (about 6 bunches), well washed of grit, stalks trimmed, and leaves cut into 1 inch strips
2 to 3 tsp. kosher salt
In a very large, heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid, heat 1/4 cup of the oil over high heat until it’s very hot, just to the point of smoking. Add a handful of collards, water droplets still clinging to them, to the pot (be careful, this will sputter). Stir vigorously with long tongs or a wooden spoon until the greens are wilted. Continue adding handfuls of wet collards, stirring until they wilt before adding more. Add the salt and the remaining 1/4 cup oil and stir well. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the greens braise for 15 minutes.
Taste the greens; if they’re not tender enough for your taste, continue the cooking, covered and over low heat, until they’re done to your liking. If you’re making them ahead, let the collards cool and then refrigerate. Reheat them by bringing them to a boil, reducing the heat to low, and simmering for about 5 minutes.
nutrition information (per serving):
Calories
(kcal):
160;
Fat
(g):
10;
Fat Calories
(kcal):
90;
Saturated Fat
(g):
1;
Protein
(g):
6;
Monounsaturated Fat
(g):
7;
Carbohydrates
(g):
15;
Polyunsaturated Fat
(g):
1;
Sodium
(mg):
370;
Cholesterol
(mg):
0;
Fiber
(g):
10;
photo: Scott Phillips
From Fine Cooking 41
, pp. 47
October 1, 2000
