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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted on: Wednesday, June 1, 2005

Farmers' greens delicious with grilled meats

Advertiser Staff and Wire Services

Shopping at farmers' markets is in keeping with the recommendations of many health experts that we focus our diets on fresh fruits and vegetables, eat seasonally and eat a variety of foods. Many farmers' market vendors also raise foods organically, or close to organically. And, in general, agriculture is good for communities. Patronizing farmers' markets helps keep farmers on the land.

Although each market is different, you are likely to find honey, baked goods, cheeses, salad dressings and jams and jellies along with handmade soap, bedding plants and perennials, cut flowers and other locally made products alongside the produce.

Remember that produce changes with the season. In Hawai'i, mangoes and other tropical fruit such as rambutan, longan and mangosteen are plentiful now. In some farmers' markets, you'll also find imports like potatoes. Here's a dish that makes use of fresh greens. It would be great with sweet Maui onions.

GREENS AND POTATOES

  • 1 onion
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 medium potatoes
  • 1 1/2 pounds chopped kale, collards, green cabbage or turnip greens, or a mix
  • 1 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 cup milk

Slice onion in half. Put the flat side on a cutting board and slice the onion into thin half-moons.

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a deep, wide pot, such as a Dutch oven.

Add onion, and cook for five minutes or longer, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to brown.

As the onion cooks, peel potatoes (if desired), and cut each into eight or 10 pieces. Add to the browned onion. Then add chopped greens, 1 cup water, pepper flakes and salt. Cover and cook 20 minutes, or until potatoes and greens are tender, stirring occasionally.

Coarsely mash the potatoes using a hand-held potato masher or large fork. Add milk and stir. Serve with grilled meats or fish.

Serves four.

• Per serving: 192 calories, 8 grams fat, 7 grams protein, 23 grams carbohydrate, 7 grams fiber, 330 milligrams sodium.