Teresa's Recipes
Utica Greens
Utica Greens is a beloved dish hailing from the vibrant city of Utica, New York, where Italian-American culinary traditions flourish. This hearty and flavorful dish showcases the robust flavors of escarole, the savory richness of prosciutto, and the delightful heat of cherry peppers, all brought together with a golden crust of melted Pecorino Romano cheese and crispy bread crumbs. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, Utica Greens embodies the spirit of comfort food with a spicy twist that will warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 4 ounces, diced Prosciutto
- 1 cup, sliced (seeds removed for less heat) Cherry peppers
- 1 large head, chopped Escarole
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup, grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Side Dish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 15g
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 2g
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and diced prosciutto, cooking until the garlic is golden brown and the prosciutto is crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the sliced cherry peppers and chopped escarole to the skillet. Stir well and cook until the escarole is wilted, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle the Italian bread crumbs evenly over the top of the greens, followed by the grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread crumbs are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot as a side dish or a light main course, garnished with extra cheese if desired.
Tips
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the prosciutto with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tempeh.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cherry peppers based on your spice preference. You can also use banana peppers for a milder flavor.
- To enhance the dish, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar just before serving for a tangy kick.