Winter Greens with Smoked Paprika and Almonds
Right now we are hunkered down in preparation for a snowstorm. I have candles at the ready, flannel pajamas freshly laundered, and a big hulking novel on the bedside table. There might even be a romantic comedy or two I’ve got my eye on in the old Netflix queue. If this is your reality, I’ve got my fingers crossed tomorrow’s a snow day for all of us. In which case, I’m ditching the detox and eating fried pork dumplings in my favorite cozy Chinese restaurant. A girl’s gotta have priorities.
And if it’s not a snow day? Then I will be eating the final bit of leftovers of these smoky greens. I first discovered this recipe last winter when I needed a healthful foil to French onion soup. It seems silly it’s taken me this long to tell you about it since, truly, this is one of my favorite ways of preparing winter greens. You can never go wrong just sautéeing greens with olive oil and garlic––maybe with a little crushed red pepper thrown in, too––but when a variation is in order, I humbly present a contender.
But seriously, fingers crossed for snow.
Winter Greens with Smoked Paprika and Almonds
from Bon Appétit
Serves 4
1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1/4 cup whole almonds, coarsely chopped
2 large garlic cloves, chopped
3/4 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 pounds broccolini, kale, or other winter greens, rinsed and chopped
1/4 cup water
1 to 2 teaspoons Sherry wine vinegar
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add almonds. Stir until lightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Add garlic and paprika. Sprinkle with coarse salt; sauté 1 minute. Transfer to small bowl. Add remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil to skillet. Add greens; sprinkle with coarse salt. Add 1/3 cup water. Cover and boil until crisp-tender and still bright green, about 4 minutes. Pour off any water. Stir in almond mixture. Season to taste with coarse salt and pepper. Mix in 1 to 2 teaspoons vinegar. Transfer to bowl and serve.
Hilary: How do you do this?! How do you know I have a veritable cabbage patch of collards languishing in my fridge and had no interest in doing the same old thing with them? I can’t wait to try this recipe. Your recipes often arrive right on time to rescue lonely ingredients I have on hand (the almond chicken soup from last week was a HUGE hit). Thanks for the post!1 year ago
Kristina Strain: Oh, YES. I made this as a side-dish for Thanksgiving this year, and it was my favorite thing. But I’m biased. In my book, smoked paprika makes EVERYTHING fabulous.1 year ago
The trick is this, Hilary: I am basically too lazy to go scouring high and low for rarified ingredients, and too lazy for fussy technique and preparation. So I end up cooking with in-season and in-the-pantry ingredients for the most part. And smart (possibly lazy?) girls like you do that too!
It’s a match made in heaven! (I was just dreaming about how delicious that almond chicken soup was this morning…) Anyway, I’m so glad to hear the right thing came at the right time!
Kristina: And almonds! I’m kind of obsessed with adding them to everything these days.1 year ago
Sara Rose: Be a teensy bit jealous. We’re on snow day numero dos. This has resulted in marathon Dr. Who watching, Star Wars and LOTR viewing, endless games of Go Fish (with fish shaped cards) and the repainting of toenails. Did I mention that Eva got really cool ‘paper’ dolls with magnetic outfits to create new looks or that dozens of rows of yarn have been knitted. I only like snow days for these reasons. The fact that you can remain in bed for the majority of the day is always highly adored by me.1 year ago
Consider me jealous.
1 year ago
Ells: This looks splendid!
Putting it on the “to-cook” list for the week.1 year ago
Karina: You are exactly where I wish I could be right now! Nothing sounds better than settling in for a snowy middle-of-the-week day. Enjoy, and thanks for the recipe!1 year ago
jjumpjennifer: I think you’ll be eating fried pork dumplings tomorrow. I have my fingers, toes AND eyes crossed
The winter greens look amazing.1 year ago
I’ll admit it’s pretty cozy here. And that’s the kind of support I’m talking about, jjumpjennifer! Bring it!1 year ago
Kathy: It’s a snow day for me tomorrow so I may be trying this recipe of yours along with the almond chicken soup and your homemade larabars!!! That’s what snow days are all about!1 year ago
Emily: Mmm,mmm. You sure can bring the cozy. I will definitely give this a try.1 year ago
Ann Flora: I’m always open to new ways to prepare good-for-you greens. I will definitely be trying this ASAP.1 year ago