This recipe appeared in the February 2012 issue of Bon Appétit. It’s very like the wilted kale salads that have become ubiquitous on high-end salad bars.
This recipe is from Michael Paley of the Garage Bar in Louisville, Kentucky. As the magazine put it, “This dish flips conventional Southern cookery on its head. Rather than cooking greens into submission, they’re quickly brined to soften their texture and mellow their bitterness, then married with the sweet, salty, and creamy elements of a composed salad.”
I can’t wait to try this. And yes, I still have a butternut squash from last year’s box that’s been waiting for just this recipe.
Ingredients:
10 cups fresh beet greens, radish greens or kale, stems removed 2 tablespoons kosher salt plus more for seasoning 2 cups 1" cubes peeled butternut squash 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1 apple, quartered, cored, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons minced shallot 2 tablespoons (or more) fresh lemon juice 3 tablespoons buttermilk Coarsely cracked whole black peppercorns
Preparation:
Gently rub greens with 2 tablespoons salt in a large bowl. Let stand, checking often, until the greens begin to release water and soften, about 15 minutes. Rinse in two changes of cold water. Squeeze greens dry and pat with a kitchen towel; transfer to a clean bowl.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Toss squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil on prepared sheet; season with salt. Roast squash, turning occasionally, until lightly browned and tender, 20-25 minutes. Let cool.
Add squash, apple, shallot, lemon juice, and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil to greens. Toss to combine; season to taste with salt. Divide evenly among plates. Drizzle with buttermilk. Season with cracked pepper.