Callaloo

Yield:
6 to 1 servings as side dish

This mineral-rich leafy green is a staple in the Jamaican diet; saute it with onions, scallions, and thyme to make a healthy vegetable side dish. If you can't find callaloo, Swiss chard or mustard greens make an excellent substitute.From the book "Lucinda's Authentic Jamaican Kitchen," by Lucinda Scala Quinn (Wiley).

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds callaloo

  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 3 whole scallions, chopped

  • 1 sprig fresh thyme, or ½ teaspoon dried

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • cup water

Directions

  1. Remove the small branches with leaves from the main stem and submerge the callaloo into a bowl of cold water. Let soak for a minute and remove, discarding the water. Repeat 2 more times. Finely chop the leaves and branches and set aside.

  2. Heat the oil and butter in a medium-size skillet over medium heat until the butter is melted. Add the onion and scallions, stirring until the onion begins to soften, about 2 minutes. Add the callaloo, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix all of the ingredients together, add the water, and cover. Cook over medium heat until the stems are tender, about 8 minutes.

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