Recipe: Dark Leafy Greens with Caramelized Onions, Raisins, and Maple Walnuts

DARK LEAFY GREENS WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS, RAISINS, AND MAPLE GLAZED WALNUTS

"This recipe takes advantage of raisins and maple glazed walnuts for a nutrient-packed bite of yum!"



2 bunches Swiss chard or kale, washed
FOR THE MAPLE GLAZED WALNUTS:
1/4 cup chopped California walnuts
1 teaspoon maple syrup
Salt
FOR THE CARAMELIZED ONIONS:
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium-sized red onion, peeled, quartered and thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
Pinch of red chili flakes
1/3 cup raisins or currants
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon lemon zest (for the greens)

TO PREPARE THE GREENS:
Remove the tough stems from the chard or kale. (Chard stems, though fibrous, are flavorful and may be saved and cooked separately, for another dish.) Tear or cut the chard or kale into 1- to 2-inch pieces. You should have 6 to 8 cups, lightly packed. Transfer the prepared greens to a bowl of cold water.

TO PREPARE THE MAPLE GLAZED WALNUTS:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a bowl toss the walnuts with the maple syrup and a pinch of salt. Spread the nuts on a small baking pan.

Bake about 10 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the nuts are lightly browned and have a toasty fragrance. Cool to room temperature.

TO PREPARE THE CARAMELIZED ONIONS:
In a large saute pan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion begins to soften. Turn the heat to low and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions are browned in spots and very soft, or caramelized, about 20 minutes.

Once the onions are caramelized, add the garlic and red chili flakes and stir for about 30 seconds, until you smell the garlic. Add the raisins and stir for about 30 seconds. Add the water and stir briskly, loosening any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.

TO COOK THE GREENS:
Handfuls at a time, lift the greens from their water bath and add them to the skillet. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt and stir to combine. Bring to a boil and cook over medium heat until the greens are tender and the liquid has mostly evaporated, about 10 minutes. Stir in the lemon zest.

TO SERVE:
Arrange the greens on a plate or bowl and sprinkle with the maple-toasted walnuts.

Makes 3 cups, 4 servings
Created By Rebecca Katz - Culinary translator
Source: California Walnuts