Mustard greens, a member of the brassica family that includes kale, collards, and broccoli, are known for their bold, slightly bitter, and peppery flavor. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook mustard greens to bring out their best flavor and texture.
Preparing Mustard Greens
Before cooking, it’s essential to prepare the mustard greens properly.
Cleaning: Start by washing the greens thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
Chopping: Tear the leaves from the stems, roll them up tightly, and cut them into medium-sized strips. This helps in even cooking and makes the greens easier to manage[4].
Cooking Methods
Mustard greens can be cooked using several methods, each bringing out different aspects of their flavor.
Sautéing
Sautéing is a quick and flavorful way to cook mustard greens.
Pre-treatment: Toss the chopped mustard greens with a tablespoon of olive oil and salt in a large bowl to ensure even distribution of oil and salt, as not all the greens will fit in the skillet at once[1].
Cooking: Heat another tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add as many greens as the pan can hold and cook, tossing in oil, until just wilted. Add the remaining greens and continue cooking until all are wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Adding Flavor: Add minced garlic to the pan and toss with the greens until well combined. Continue cooking, tossing often, until the stems are just fork-tender, about 3-4 minutes. For added flavor, you can add a splash of red wine vinegar and crushed red pepper flakes at the end[1].
Braising
Braising is a method that involves slow-cooking the greens in liquid, which is ideal for a hearty, soulful dish.
Using Smoked Turkey: Place a smoked turkey wing or leg in a large pot with enough water to cover it. Cook over medium-high heat until the turkey is almost tender, about 45 minutes[4].
Adding Greens: Add the chopped mustard greens and additional water (about 4-5 cups) to the pot. Cover and cook for about an hour, or until the greens are tender and most of the water has evaporated, leaving a flavorful pot liquor.
Seasoning: You can add various seasonings such as granulated sugar, seasoned salt, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes to enhance the flavor[4].
Boiling
Boiling is another method that involves cooking the greens in a flavorful broth.
Preparing Broth: Start by cooking ingredients like smoked turkey leg or ham shank, chicken stock, red chili flakes, butter, bacon, onion, and garlic in a large pot over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a light rolling boil and cook for about 30 minutes to develop the flavors[2].
Adding Greens: Add the mustard greens to the pot in batches, allowing them to steam and cook down. Cover the pot and cook for about 3-5 minutes before adding the next batch. Continue until all the greens are cooked and tender[2].
Additional Tips and Variations
Raw Use: Mustard greens can be used raw in salads, burgers, or as a substitute for traditional lettuce. Their flavor will mellow out when added to hot dishes like pasta or ramen[5].
Pesto: Mustard greens make a great pesto that can be used on pizza, burgers, and sandwiches. Simply blend the greens with olive oil, garlic, and other desired ingredients[5].
Storage: Store mustard greens in plastic bags in the fridge for up to 2 weeks to maintain freshness[5].
Most Important Facts About Cooking Mustard Greens
Preparation: Always clean and chop the greens before cooking to ensure even cooking and better flavor distribution.
Cooking Methods: Mustard greens can be sautéed, braised, or boiled, each method offering different flavor profiles.
Sautéing: Quick method using olive oil and garlic, ideal for retaining the greens’ peppery flavor.
Braising: Slow-cooking method using a flavorful broth, great for tenderizing the greens and creating a rich pot liquor.
Boiling: Cooking in a broth with various ingredients to add depth of flavor.
Seasoning: Adding ingredients like garlic, red pepper flakes, vinegar, and smoked turkey can significantly enhance the flavor of mustard greens.
Raw Use: Mustard greens can be used raw in various dishes, and their flavor will mellow out when cooked.
Storage: Store in plastic bags in the fridge for up to 2 weeks to maintain freshness.
By following these steps and tips, you can enjoy mustard greens in a variety of delicious and flavorful dishes.
