Gumbo Z

This recipe came from a "Natural Health" magazine. The recipe is from Bryant Terry's Vegan Soul Kitchen. When I saw the ingredients I thought this was one heck of a powerhouse and had to give it a try! It was fantastic & super healthy.

Gumbo Z

Ingredients:

Coarse sea salt
1 large bunch mustard greens, chopped
1 large bunch collard greens, chopped
1 large bunch kale, chopped
1 large bunch spinach, chopped
1/2 c extra virgin olive oil
7 Garlic cloves, minced
1/2 c whole wheat flour
2 large yellow onions, diced
2 large red bell peppers, diced
2 celery ribs, halved & chopped
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
6 C Vegetable Stock (I used low-sodium)
1 T minced fresh thyme
1 tsp. file powder (I didn't have this so omitted)
1 T apple cider vinegar
2 large scallions, thinly sliced for garnish

Directions:
1. In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Add 1 T salt.

2. Add leafy greens to the boiling water and cook uncovered for 3-4 minutes. Drain in a colander and cool. Transfer greens to a cutting board and chop well. (NOTE: I actually chopped my greens before placing in the boiling water)

3. Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat and saute garlic until golden. Add the greens, raise the heat to high and saute garlic until golden. Add the greens, raise the heat to high, sprinkle with 1 tsp salt, and saute, stirring occasionally for 2-3 minutes, until well-coated with oil. Set aside.

4. In a large pot over low heat, combine the flour and the remaining olive oil and cook, stirring often, until caramel colored, about 10 minutes tops (the recipe says 25 minutes but mine was ready within 10). Add the onions, bell pepper, celery, cayenne pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt. Raise the heat to medium and saute, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 15 minutes. Slowly stir in the vegetable stock. Add the reserved greens, bring to a boil, and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until greens are tender, about 45 minutes. (again, mine was about 20 minutes).

5. Stir in the thyme and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in the file (omitted), and the apple cider vinegar, and set aside to cool for 10 minutes.

Per serving: 306 calories, 8 g fiber