Grits & Greens Casserole

Here we've combined two favorite Southern side dishes-grits and greens-into one casserole; it's a natural choice to serve with Easter ham. Try omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth to make it a vegetarian dish.

Katie Webster

Used by permission. (c) Eating Well, Inc.

Ingredients

4 slices bacon, chopped (optional)		16 cups chopped collard greens, or kale, stems removed (about 1 large bunch, 1 1/2-2 pounds)
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil		2 cups water, plus more as needed
1 small onion, diced		1 cup grits, (not instant)
4 cloves garlic, minced		3/4 cup shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth, or vegetable broth, divided		1/4 cup prepared salsa
1/4 teaspoon salt		1 large egg, lightly beaten

directions

Prep: 50 min Total: More than 60 min

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1
Preheat oven to 400F. Coat an 8-inch-square baking dish with cooking spray.
2
Place bacon (if using) in a large Dutch oven. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until crispy, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Pour off the bacon fat.
3
Return the pot to medium-low heat; add oil, onion and garlic and cook, stirring often, until fragrant and starting to brown in spots, 2 to 8 minutes (cooking time will be quicker if you started with bacon). Add 1 cup broth and salt; bring to a boil over high heat. Add collards (or kale); stir until wilted down to about one-third the volume and bright green, 1 to 2 minutes. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until tender, 18 to 20 minutes. Adjust heat during cooking to maintain a simmer, and add water, 1/4 cup at a time, if the pan seems dry.
4
Meanwhile, bring 2 cups water and the remaining 1 cup broth to a boil in a large saucepan. Pour in grits in a steady stream, whisking constantly. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, whisking often, until thick, about 5 minutes. Combine 1/2 cup cheese, salsa and egg in a small bowl. Remove the grits from the heat and quickly stir in the cheese mixture until combined.
5
Working quickly, spread about half the grits in the prepared baking dish. Top with greens, spreading evenly. Spread the remaining grits over the greens. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup cheese and the reserved bacon (if using).
6
Bake the casserole until hot and bubbling, about 20 minutes. Let stand for about 10 minutes before serving.

nutritional information

Calories: 226		Fiber: 4 g
Fat: 8 g		Saturated Fat: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g		Protein: 11 g
Sodium: 473 mg		Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g
Exchanges: 1 1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 high-fat meat, 1/2 fat		Cholesterol: 50 g
Carbohydrate Servings: 2		Potassium: 335 mg
Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin A (134% daily value), Folate (66% dv), Vitamin C (60% dv), Calcium (26% dv).		Added Sugars: 0 g

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Grits & Greens Casserole

Ingredients

directions

nutritional information