collards

This idea for collard greens comes from “From The Food, Folklore, and Art of Lowcountry Cooking” by Joseph E. Dabney (Cumberland House). The book includes this note:

“Brimming bowls of collard greens infused with peanut butter are one of the most popular side dishes served at Andrew and Eileen Trice’s Angel’s Barbecue located on West Oglethorpe Lane in Savannah’s historic district. Andrew picked up the idea from a friend who had visited West Africa and witnessed firsthand how it was done there. On occasion, Andrew adds hot chili peppers, following another West African practice.

“On the raining late October day that I visited their small restaurant tucked in a lane behind the Independent Presbyterian Church, Andrew and Eileen had sold out of the unusual dish. So unfortunately I did not get to try it firsthand. But they still shared the recipe with me!”

Here’s a recipe for when you run out of ideas for collard greens this fall. It comes from the Food 52 blog. Besan or chickpea flour is traditional and can be found at the DeKalb or Buford Highway Farmers Markets or at stores that sell Indian groceries. Not sure if Whole Foods or Sevananda carries it. You could substitute all-purpose flour if that’s simpler.