Here’s a little addendum to my response to Madeleine’s Hoppin’ John request in the previous post.

1. Adding a little diced celery, carrot, and sweet red pepper to the initial sauté of onions
and garlic brings extra flavor and flecks of color.
2. After the rice is steamed up in the Hoppin’ John pot, it’s fine to add a little liquid to “loosen things”
and allow the creaminess of the peas come out.
3. It is always one’s Good Fortune to eat such a tasty bowl. Don’t save it for New Year’s Day alone.
4. Good Fortune is increased when you top with fresh braised kale!

It’s brilliant: one bowl contains perfect food elements: fragrant rice, sweet peas, salt and heat
and a little earthy bitter green.
I used beautiful Red Russian Kale, grown by Allison and Matthew Neal
Braised Kale
2 T. olive oil
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
3 scallions, chopped (use the whole scallion-white and green)
1 bunch fresh kale, washed, torn into pieces
salt and red pepper flakes–to taste

In a skillet with medium heat, add olive oil. Add garlic and scallions and sauté for a minute or two.
Add kale and stir to coat the leaves. Season with a little salt and red pepper flakes.
Continue sautéing. The leaves will collapse and sweat. After about 5 minutes, pour a cup of water over the kale. Stir and cover to gently braise for another 5 minutes. Uncover and allow any excess liquid to cook down–but not totally evaporate. Leaves will be tender.

Serves 4

1. Emily Passino Says:
   January 7th, 2009 at 11:39 am

   The thought of going home tonight and just adding the braised kale to the leftover black-eyed peas / rice sitting in my fridge makes me smile on many counts – practical, easy, nutritious, delicious – I’m LOVING your blog, and glad we now have a way to subscribe to it.

2. Maggie Stanford Says:
   January 7th, 2009 at 12:59 pm

   Nance, this sounds so good, and light! After the holiday food frenzy, this will be a welcome, low-fat meal. Love the blog!

3. rhonda Says:
   January 7th, 2009 at 1:01 pm

   yum!!
   when will you have an “order now” button!!! those of us that live in nashville would be lined up at your doorstep to pick up our orders!!!!! ;-) rhonda

4. connie Says:
   January 7th, 2009 at 3:58 pm

   I also enjoyed this good fortune first hand–very yum to follow the above post. I want to add to the Caramel Dumpling recipe but I guess I can simply e-mail you. Your blog is attractive and informative–I’m lovin’it.

5. Tony Says:
   January 8th, 2009 at 8:38 pm

   I’ve been eating this everyday since new years and it’s worked so far. Thanks!

6. Christian Says:
   January 14th, 2009 at 3:52 pm

   Braising – my new favorite cooking method! and Kale – my new favorite green! Perfect!