Author Notes
This is a non-recipe recipe where basically you can adjust the savory and spicy components to suit you and your guests' tastes. You may also choose to swap the arugula for spinach, chard, kale, or even radish or mustard greens into this universally savory dish. This version of wilted greens is one of my trusty go-to's and is seriously packed with flavor.
A note about bread crumbs: I often have stale bread cut into cubes at the ready (stored in a jar) to pummel with my mortar and pestle into coarse crumbs. Fried bread crumbs are great on lots of things, this recipe in particular. —Melina Hammer
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Ingredients
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3 to 5
anchovy fillets and oil from the can (if using canned anchovies)
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Extra-virgin olive oil or bacon fat (if not using canned anchovies)
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3 to 5
cloves roasted garlic
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5 handfuls
arugula
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1 pinch
red pepper flakes
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1/2 cup
bread crumbs
Directions
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In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, either add the oil from the anchovies or pour in enough olive oil or bacon fat to evenly coat the bottom of the pan.
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Add the anchovies and once they begin to sizzle, mash them with the bag of a fork so that they melt into the oil. Add the roasted garlic and mash it up as well.
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Add the arugula into the pan in handfuls, dragging them through the anchovy-garlic mixture to coat. Don't be alarmed if the greens initially overflow from the pan. They will collapse a good deal as they wilt, which should take about 3 minutes. Once wilted, add the pepper flakes and toss until well incorporated.
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Transfer the wilted greens to a platter or plates. In the same saucepan, lower the heat to medium and add in a little more anchovy or olive oil. Add the bread crumbs and give them an initial stir to absorb the fat.
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Cook the bread crumbs until they are nicely browned, stirring occasionally, about 2 minutes. Transfer them to a dish to serve along side the wilted leaves.
Melina is the author of 'A Year at Catbird Cottage' with Ten Speed Press. She grows an heirloom and pollinator garden and forages wild foods at her namesake Hudson Valley getaway, Catbird Cottage. Melina loves serving curated menus for guests from near and far seeking community amidst the hummingbirds, grosbeaks, finches, and the robust flavors of the seasons.
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