Collard Greens

I work for a lady once a week doing odd jobs such as gardening, cleaning, errands, etc., This past Sunday I did a little gardening.  She had me pull out all her collard green plants and told me that I could take them home.  She is unable to eat collard greens, but this was still completely generous of her.  Fresh, bright, and healthy collard greens.  I bicycled home with two enormous bags of greens.  It seemed a shame to not put them to good use.





So I washed them and pulled them from the stem.  I placed them in my two vegetable drawers underneath a paper towel.  And then I started contemplating what to do with them! Of course I have some roots in the South, so I know about cooking collards with ham hocks and letting them simmer.  But I wanted to try some new things.  I sautéed a plate first with garlic, olive oil, salt and red pepper flakes.  After the greens cooked , I tossed them in a little apple vinegar.  It was delicious! I also tried a green smoothie made with tons of greens, a little orange juice, and one banana.  It was quite tasty! And then I decided to make a couple big batches of minestrone.  I think it turned out quite festive.  It is almost Christmas...

 

 

The soup is quite delicious, and I am freezing one batch for another time.  Collard greens are one of the healthiest vegetables for you.  I looked it up, and let me just say, there are too many benefits to name.  Look it up yourself! And how wonderful that they came from a garden I help tend.  The soup is especially good with fresh mozzarella added on top.  I love how it melts into the hot soup.  I am so happy in my little kitchen with the fan going, doors open, palm trees saying, and my stomach satisfied.  I shall have good dreams tonight.