HORTA
VRASTA - Boiled Leafy Greens- Wild and Cultivated Greens
Greens are a favourite Greek food -
eaten raw, boiled, cooked in casseroles, and as herbs.
The greens listed here grow in the
wild, and of course there are others that are cultivated for cooking as well.
Someone can find these fabulous
greens in local grocery stores, and farmer's markets.
Boiled greens are easy to prepare and when dressed
with a bit of olive oil and lemon, you will really enjoy the clean, pure taste dishes
that smell and taste of nature.
I
learned from my grand father and my mother how the various greens should be
cooked and which ones should be combined in stews and pies.
My
favourite! I blanch different kinds of horta together, and eat them as a salad,
simply dressed with fresh lemon juice and fruity olive oil.
Like my
grandfather and like many Cretans, I drink this wild greens broth adding a
little of olive oil and plenty of lemon juice. Not as a health potion, but
because I love its taste. Every
time I boil greens, I put aside bottles of it in my refrigerator to enjoy
during the following days.
Scientists
have discovered that most of these wild plants contain antioxidants and other
nutrients which promote good health.
How to
prepare wild greens
Chop the roots of the
green vegetables and wash them well. They need careful washing in order to
remove soil and dust.
Boil them in a saucepan for around 20 - 25 minutes and
serve them hot or cold with olive oil, salt and lemon juice.
Wash the greens well before cooking to make sure there's no dirt or
grit.and trim any coarse stems. Discard any brown leaves.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and then add about a tbsp. of salt
to the water.
Carefully submerge the greens in the pot and boil for about 20 - 25 minutes or until the thickest parts of the stems are tender. Be careful not to
over boil.
Drain well and place in serving dish. Season with salt.
You can serve the greens warm or at room temperature.
You can serve the greens warm or at room temperature.
ENJOY!
HORTA VRASTA - Boiled Leafy Greens- Wild and Cultivated Greens
ΑπάντησηΔιαγραφήWe, Greeks believe that eating wild greens in abundance is what is giving us good health.
This meal can be ready quickly, as you just have to boil, strain and serve the greens simply with olive oil and lemon juice, bread and olives. An absolutely VEGAN dish!