The pizza here in CNY may not be my cup of tea, but what the area does do right is greens. If you’re unfamiliar with the dish, greens are typically some form of leafy green (escarole, spinach, etc.) sauteed with other good stuff like chicken stock, butter, bacon, hot peppers, and more. Utica is famous for its greens. Every restaurant has its own rendition, and every native has their favorite version. Greens are quite possible the area’s best kept secret. Once you try them, you wonder how you lived a complete life beforehand.
Now, I’m well aware that greens are also popular in the South, but Central New Yorkers take green-making very seriously. It’s not just a side dish, it’s an essential that must be mastered if you don’t want to be exiled from the area.
Oh, your restaurant doesn’t serve greens? Good luck with that.
What I love about greens is the versatility. There are so many ways to mix it up and make them your own. Nothing is off limits; pick your favorite leafy green and seasonings, and go to town.
Since there are so many ways to serve up a bowl of steamin’ hot greens with all the fixings, I’m bringing you two versions. Both are delicious, so pick one or try ‘em both. You can’t go wrong.
