Wilted Greens Over Potatoes

Wilted Greens Over Potatoes is a classic recipe that reflects the Pennsylvania Dutch heritage, and it has grown on the author over the years. This rustic dish combines fresh greens with a savory bacon and creamy sauce, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal. The wilted greens, such as spinach, dandelion, collard, mustard, beet, or turnip greens, bring a vibrant and nutritious element to the dish. Served over a bed of hot mashed potatoes, this recipe offers a comforting and hearty experience. Whether you embrace the Pennsylvania Dutch traditions or simply enjoy a delicious combination of flavors, Wilted Greens Over Potatoes is a delightful choice. Now, let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this homestyle dish!

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 cups packed fresh spinach, dandelion, collard, mustard, beet, or turnip greens
• 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons water, divided
• 5 thick-sliced bacon strips, diced
• 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup 2% milk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
• ⅓ cup cider vinegar
• Hot mashed potatoes

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a large saucepan, bring the greens and 2 cups of water to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 4-8 minutes or until the greens are tender. Drain the greens and set them aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked bacon and transfer it to paper towels to drain, discarding the bacon drippings.
3. In a small bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Stir in the milk, salt, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of water until the mixture is smooth. Pour the mixture into the skillet and bring it to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
4. Stir a small amount of the hot mixture into the lightly beaten egg yolk. Then, return the egg yolk mixture to the skillet, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook and stir for an additional 2 minutes. Add the cider vinegar, drained greens, and cooked bacon to the skillet. Heat the mixture through.
5. Serve the wilted greens over hot mashed potatoes.

YIELD: 4 servings

PREP/TOTAL TIME: 30 minutes

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• When selecting greens, choose your preferred type from spinach, dandelion, collard, mustard, beet, or turnip greens. Use fresh greens for the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust the sugar and vinegar to your taste preference, adding more or less to achieve the desired balance of sweetness and tanginess.

TIPS:

• To save time, you can prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time or use instant mashed potatoes as a convenient option.
• For added flavor, you can sauté some minced garlic or diced onions along with the bacon.
• Serve this dish as a main course for a comforting and satisfying meal, or as a side dish to complement your favorite meat or protein.

In conclusion, Wilted Greens Over Potatoes is a beloved recipe that represents the Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. While the author didn’t appreciate it as a child, it has become a fond dish over the years. This homestyle recipe combines fresh greens, savory bacon, and a creamy sauce, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying meal.

To prepare this dish, start by cooking the greens in water until tender. In a separate skillet, cook the diced bacon until crisp, then remove it and drain on paper towels. In the same skillet, create a creamy sauce by combining flour, sugar, milk, and salt. Stir in a small amount of the hot mixture into a lightly beaten egg yolk, then return it to the skillet. Add cider vinegar, the drained greens, and the cooked bacon to the skillet, heating the mixture through.

Serve the wilted greens over a bed of hot mashed potatoes to create a comforting and hearty meal. The combination of flavors and textures will surely satisfy your taste buds. Feel free to adjust the sugar and vinegar amounts to your taste preference, balancing the sweetness and tanginess according to your liking.

Wilted Greens Over Potatoes can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish alongside your favorite meat or protein. It showcases the Pennsylvania Dutch traditions and provides a flavorful and nutritious dining experience.

So, embrace the homestyle flavors and enjoy the comfort of Wilted Greens Over Potatoes. It’s a delightful dish that brings together the vibrant greens, savory bacon, and creamy sauce for a memorable dining experience.