Sautéed Tokyo Bekana with Sesame, Ginger & Soy Sauce
Fragrant ginger and sesame oil lend big flavor to this dish of sautéed greens.
Ingredients:
2 pounds Tokyo bekana (or any Asian green)
4 tablespoons light sesame oil
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
4 teaspoons peeled and minced ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce, divided
4 teaspoons rice vinegar
Method:
1. In a wide heavy sauté pan or wok over medium heat, warm the oil. Add the sesame seeds and stir until they pop and become fragrant. Add the ginger and garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
2. Add the greens and 1 tablespoon soy sauce, raise the heat and cook, covered, for 1 minute. Uncover and sauté for 1 or 2 minutes more, until the greens are tender but still bright green. Stir in more soy sauce and vinegar to taste, and serve immediately.
Poached Duck Eggs over Sautéed Beet & Turnip Greens
This elegant presentation is sure to wow any dinner guest.
Ingredients:
3-4 duck eggs
1 bunch each turnip and beet greens, washed and patted dry
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Method:
1. To poach the eggs, half-fill a medium saucepan with water and bring to the boil. Add a hefty pinch of salt. Meanwhile, crack each egg into its own small bowl and add a teaspoon of vinegar to each. Stir the boiling water vigorously with a balloon whisk until you have a whirlpool then immediately (and softly!) slip the egg into the pot. Turn the heat down low, and cook for three minutes. Gently lift eggs out of the pot and drain on paper towels.
2. Meanwhile, melt the butter or heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the greens and cook until they are just wilted and tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper; set aside.
3. To serve, add a serving of the greens to a plate, and then top with a poached egg. Season with salt and pepper, as needed.
Variation: This dish is also excellent served with roasted root vegetables, such as beets, turnips or carrots.
Garlic-Sautéed Kale Rapini
Rich and vibrant, beautiful kale rapini is seasoned with fresh garlic in this appealing side dish.
Ingredients:
1 large bunch kale rapini
3 tablespoons olive oil
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Method:
1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Once boiling, drop the rapini into the water to quickly blanch the greens (this will only take a minute, the dark greens will become a brighter green once softened).
2. Meanwhile heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat, then add the garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Remove kale rapini greens from the pot and place directly into the sauté pan, seasoning well with salt and pepper. Toss all the ingredients together. Once greens are almost fully wilted, about 1-2 minutes, remove from the heat and serve.
Variation: This dish is also delightful with the addition of ¼ cup raisins, 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts and a splash of balsamic vinegar once the kale is sautéed with the garlic; serve warm or at room temperature.
Sautéed Fava Greens with Garlic
Boasting a sweet flavor similar to pea shoots, fava greens are absolutely delicious sautéed with fragrant garlic.
Ingredients:
4 cups fava greens, washed and coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
3-5 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Method:
1. Gently warm the butter and olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-low heat. Soften garlic in warm oil for 2-3 minutes (do not allow garlic to brown).
2. Turn heat up to medium-high, and add fava greens, salt and pepper and sauté, stirring frequently for 3 minutes, or until the greens are wilted. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed and serve.
