Anytime is a good time to have 'bitters'. Add Bitter Greens to YOUR festive meals and help yourself feel your best! Spring is THE time when we are most likely to think of 'lightening' up (if we are in the northern hemisphere, anyway!) but ANYTIME is indeed a great time to add a bitter component to our day! Add bitter greens to your celebrations (or any meal for that matter!) and help with the general digestibility of the entire meal! So WHY is it good to enjoy bitter foods or 'bitters' at all?
I have lots to say on this topic. "Bitters are nature's answer to better digestion" ~ more on this topic where I talk about why it's a good idea here. and more here : "10 good reasons to use bitters"
Do you eat bitter greens?
I am excited to share this with you. It's one of my 'go to' greens recipes and very versatile. It's a definite favourite with friends and family. See below for some ideas for delicious 'on the bitter side' veggies -- Some aren't green.. but you get the point (lol!)
Here's an easy recipe that can be made with any number of options!!
Sautéed Bitter Greens
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil toasted or plain
- 1 large shallot sliced (or 1 medium onion, diced)
- 2-3 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 ⁄2 pound greens chopped or cut into strips
- 1 ⁄2 cup your home-made bone broth or your veggie, chicken broth
- 2 teaspoon tamari or coconut aminos
- 3-4 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
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Heat olive oil over medium heat and immediately add onions or shallots and cook for 1 minute. Add half of the garlic and then the greens.
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Toss gently to begin to wilt the greens.
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Put the top on your wok or sauté pan for 3-4 minutes, lowering the heat.
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Add the tamari and the broth/stock.
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Continue cooking until stock has reduced behalf and the greens are slightlywilted and tender.
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Add the remaining garlic
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Toss once lightly with sesame oil and top with sesame seeds.
Recipe Notes
I add a portion of the garlic at the end, so that we enjoy both the flavour and the healing qualities.
I prefer toasted sesame oil for the 'finishing oil'. Such flavour!
This is more of a guideline than anything.
I don't always use the same ingredients.
Basic version: Greens, small amount oil, onion. Sauté and toss. Enjoy!
Serves 4 happy people!
What do you like the best? Are there any in the list below that are new?
Yummy Bitter Greens IDEAS :
Bok Choy (aka Pak Choi or Choi Sum)
Baby Bok Choy
Brussel Sprouts
Cabbage (including green, red, Napa, Savoy)
Collard Greens
Dandelion Greens
Kale (many types, both green and red)
Broccoli Raab (we call it Rapini in Canada)
Radicchio
Sorrel
Tops – beet greens, turnip greens etc. Watercress
Check out the StudioBotanica pinterest boards here.
Save one of these pins to keep this recipe handy ~ better digestion on the way!!
Here's hoping you give this recipe a try -- and become a convert.
Hop on the bitters bandwagon with me!
Green blessings to you ~ Carol xo
Annemarie
I get so many different greens from my farm share in the spring. Can't wait to try this!
Anne
This sounds good bitter greens are in season one too!
chihyu
bitter greens are the best. They are one of my most favorite vegetables and so healthy for us, too!
Carol Little
Agreed! So glad you also love these greens!!
heather
Excited to try this with dandelion greens!
Carol Little
Great. Hope you both enjoy, Heather!!
Susannah
YUM! I adore bitter greens. I have my eye on some teeny dandelions just getting going that will wind up on a dinner plate SOON! Thanks for the recipe :)
Carol Little
That's wonderful!! ENJOY!!
Linda
I enjoy bitter greens especially when it's stir-fried. I grew up eating bittermelon so these bitter greens will bring new flavor to the table.
Carol Little
Great! There are so many for you to try!! I want to learn more about bitter melon! Several friends have given recipes..
Kelly
I love bitter greens. They're so good for you. Can't wait to dig into this!
Carol Little
I am glad you are a fan Kelly!!
paleoglutenfreeguy
I love greens of any kind so this is right up my alley. I love the idea of adding garlic at the beginning and the end!
Carol Little
Great news. I am on bandwagon to get people to love greens-- especially the bitter kind!! Yes to garlic for flavour and medicine!
Hope
I do love my greens, thanks for the reminder on how important bitter greens are. They make such a versatile side dish and great for digestion!
Carol Little
You are most welcome! They are SO good for us and I love helping people to love AND appreciate them!
STACEY CRAWFORD
I definitely need more bitter greens in my diet. Thanks for the great recipe and reminder!
Carol Little
You are most welcome. I hope you try and become addicted to the many possibilities!
Raia Todd
I love a side of freshly sauteed greens. Especially with breakfast!
jennifer
I have never tried bitter greens before but you are convincing me to try!
Carol Little
SO good for you Jennifer, I hope you do! This template is so adaptable. Just try one or mix it up!
Megan Stevens
These look so delicious and healthy! I love the other ingredients you've used too. Can't wait to try these!
Jean
I used to hate bitter greens, but these days I can't get enough. Plus I actually feel so much better too! Can't wait to try out this recipe.
Tessa Simpson
Such a great way to enjoy the bounty of spring greens! And so nourishing too!
Renee D Kohley
Those flavors would definitely make it easier to eat those bitters for me! Thanks for the great idea!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish
I need to get more bitter greens into my family's diet. Thanks so much for sharing this at Savoring Saturdays linky party! Hope you'll join us again.
Carol Little
Thanks Emily. Bitters are just SO good for our wee ones too.. Even just a little of that special bitter taste can
be so nourishing and supportive for digestion. Love to join in when organized!
Libby
Bitter green are so overlooked as part of nutrition. Thank you for this yummy recipe, I too love using bone broth in the preparation of greens.
Carol Little
SO YUMMY!! Thanks Libby!
linda spiker
Thanks! I rarely make sauteed bitter greens. I'll have to try it!
Carol Little
Linda, bitter greens become addictive!!
Renee Kohley
I'm trying to keep more greens in daily - this is a great idea! Thank you!
Carol Little
You are most welcome Renee! These are SO delicious. Developing our 'bitter taste' is such a great idea.
Melissa @ My Darla Clementine
Sounds great with the shallots and bone broth!
Kersten @urbanjane.co
I'm always looking for the ways to add more greens into my menu. You use a lot of things that I haven't seen at the grocery store. Do you grow them yourself?
Carol Little
I grow herbs, mostly. I buy all of the greens at farmers markets when possible, or grocery store in season.