Are you searching for a quick dinner idea that's both healthy and incredibly flavorful? Look no further! Utica Greens, a beloved Italian-American staple, is the perfect answer. This easy recipe delivers a vibrant, slightly bitter, and deeply satisfying dish that's surprisingly simple to make. Forget complicated cooking techniques – even beginner cooks can master this homemade cooking gem, ready in under 30 minutes. Let's dive into this delicious dish and experience the magic of Utica Greens!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh escarole, thoroughly washed and roughly chopped (you can substitute spinach or a mix of greens)
- 1/2 pound hot or sweet Italian sausage, casings removed (or substitute with ground beef or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, chicken broth can be substituted)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmesan), plus extra for serving
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Sauté the Sausage and Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. Add the onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Wilt the Greens: Add the escarole to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
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Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, white wine (or broth), oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
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Combine and Finish: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in the Pecorino Romano cheese and butter (if using).
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Utica Greens hot, garnished with extra Pecorino Romano cheese. This delicious dish pairs perfectly with crusty bread for dipping!
Cooking Tips for the Best Utica Greens:
- Don't overcook the greens: Overcooked greens will become mushy. Cook them just until wilted.
- Adjust the spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Use quality ingredients: The flavor of this dish depends heavily on the quality of the ingredients. Use fresh, high-quality sausage and greens for the best results.
- Make it ahead: This recipe is great for meal prepping. You can make it ahead of time and reheat it before serving.
Variations:
- Add beans: For a heartier meal, add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or chickpeas.
- Use different greens: Experiment with other leafy greens such as kale, chard, or rapini.
- Add other vegetables: Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini would be delicious additions.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of wine for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
*Calories: Around 350-400 (depending on ingredients and portion size) *Protein: 20-25g *Fat: 15-20g *Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This easy recipe for Utica Greens is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. The combination of savory sausage, tender greens, and rich tomato sauce is simply irresistible. Enjoy this delicious dish and let us know your experience in the comments below!