Utica Greens and Beans

Why greens and beans on New Year’s Day, you may ask? Because, as any scientist will tell you, if you eat ‘poor’ on the first day of the year, you will enjoy incredible financial prosperity the rest of the year! The original Utica greens do not have beans but they are such a classic combination.

Step: 1

Wash escarole leaves in a large bowl in several changes of cold water until no grit remains.

Step: 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; cook escarole in the boiling water until bright green and slightly wilted, about 2 minutes. Transfer escarole to a large bowl using a slotted spoon. Rinse greens in cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain thoroughly.

Step: 3

Place pancetta and olive oil into a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat; cook until browned and crisp in spots, about 5 minutes. Stir jalapeno peppers into pancetta; cook and stir until peppers start to soften, about 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more.

Step: 4

Pour chicken broth over pancetta mixture, bring to a simmer, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Gently stir beans into skillet. Mix escarole into mixture, turn off heat, and top with 1/2 cup bread crumbs. Stir until crumbs are still visible but most are incorporated. Season with red pepper flakes. Top with 2 tablespoons bread crumbs followed by Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese; drizzle top with 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Step: 5

Set oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven’s broiler.

Step: 6

Place skillet under broiler and cook until top is golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes. Serve immediately.

Per Serving: 307 calories; protein 12.3g; carbohydrates 25.2g; fat 18.3g; cholesterol 18.6mg; sodium 575.9mg.

Getting stay in and make food your dinner instead of dining out is good a step in the right direction if you’re focusing on eating healthier. There’s no better way to know precisely what’s happen into the food you’re eat than by making it yourself! Making the best of the main dish is only half the battle , though . And once you’ve perfected your chicken, steak, or fish, that is time to turn your attention to the ever- important side dishes.

A side dish can easily derail your health goals, as sweetness , sodium, fat, and calories can all get than high quickly if you’re not careful . But with our good practise of cook on side dish recipes, you won’t ever run into that problem .