1501. SAUTEED BEET and TURNIP GREENS with BACON and LEGUMES

bunch of fresh beet greens
bunch of fresh turnip greens
2 or 3 slices of thickly cut bacon
1/4 cup of dried or fresh legumes (i.e. cranberry beans, flageolet beans and/or lima beans)
salt and pepper
optional: dry white wine or vermouth

Cover the beans with an inch or so of cold water, bring to a boil for a few minutes, then lower to a very light simmer until tender (if dried beans, this can take 30 to 60 minutes or more, depending on age of beans). Optionally, you can add in a bay leaf, half an onion, and a crushed garlic clove. When the beans are tender, drain and set aside until needed.

Thoroughly wash your greens and dry them with a kitchen towel. Remove any greens that are yellow or very wilted. Loosely chop them right before adding to the pan.

Halve the bacon slices lengthwise, and the cut into 1/4 inch pieces. Cook in a large saute pan on medium-low heat until they are lightly browned but not yet crispy. Chop and add the greens, then cover and cook for three minutes. Uncover and stir in the beans along with a little salt and pepper. Cook for another couple of minutes, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of white wine or vermouth if you are inclined. The greens should not take long to cook — taste for salt and pepper and then serve.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Giff Constable and Lisl Dunlop, The Constables Larder, New York, New York