The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
GREENS AND EGGS
This dish is a take on a Jamaican callaloo, a saute of leafy greens with onion, scallion, garlic, thyme and Scotch bonnet pepper that is served at any meal of the day, including with eggs at breakfast. In the United States it can be hard to find the amaranth or taro leaves typically used, so this recipe approximates the texture with the leaves and tender stems of mature spinach and Swiss chard. Serve with whole-grain toast, rice or another cooked grain, or potato, if desired.
Storage: Refrigerate leftover greens for up to 4 days; serve at room temperature or reheat.
FOR THE GREENS
One (8- to 10-ounce) bunch mature spinach, washed and dried
One (8- to 10-ounce) bunch Swiss chard, washed and dried
2 tablespoons olive oil 1 small yellow onion (5
ounces), chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped 2 scallions, chopped, darkgreen parts reserved for garnish
1 teaspoon finely minced, seeded Scotch bonnet or habanero pepper, or to taste
3 cloves garlic, minced or
finely grated
1 teaspoon chopped fresh
thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground
black pepper 2 tablespoons water
FOR THE EGGS
2 teaspoons olive oil or butter 4 large eggs
Fine salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Make the greens:
Trim any tough brown ends from the stems of the spinach and Swiss chard. Cut the spinach leaves and tender stems into 3/4-inch pieces and transfer to a large bowl. Tear or cut the Swiss chard leaves away from their stems and center ribs (don’t throw away the stems/ribs). Chop the leaves into 3/4-inch pieces and transfer them to a separate bowl. Dice the chard stems into 1/4-inch pieces and keep those separate as well.
In a large, deep, lidded skillet over medium heat, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the onion, bell pepper, scallions (white and light-green parts only), and the Scotch bonnet or habanero pepper (1 teaspoon of the hot pepper will yield a mild-medium heat). Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the chard stems and cook, stirring, for another 2 minutes. Add the garlic, thyme, salt and pepper and cook, stirring, until aromatic, another 30 seconds.
Add the chard leaves and the water, stir, then cover and cook until the chard is wilted, about 2 minutes. Add the spinach, recover, and cook until the greens are wilted but still bright green, another 2 minutes. Uncover and remove from the heat.
Make the eggs: In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat the oil or melt the butter. Add the eggs and cook to your liking.
To serve, place about 3/4 cup of the greens onto each serving plate. Top each with an egg, season to taste with salt and pepper, and garnish with the reserved scallion greens. Serve hot. Makes 4 servings.
Nutrition information per serving (3/4 cup greens and 1 egg):
Calories: 205; Total Fat: 14 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Cholesterol: 186 mg; Sodium: 610 mg; Carbohydrates: 11 g; Dietary Fiber: 4 g; Sugar: 4 g; Protein: 10 g
This analysis is an estimate based on available ingredients and this preparation. It should not substitute for a dietitian’s or nutritionist’s advice.