CSA Pickup #3 - Collards, Scapes & Sugar Snaps

Summer meals are getting better around here!!!  This was our CSA pickup #3.  As always, the big leafy green lettuce, onion and tomatoes found their way into one of the plethora of salads we enjoy.  Strawberries – need I say more…GONE!  The zucchini was chopped then grilled with a bit of balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

You might be thinking…what about the other three items? Well, “I’m glad you asked that question” ; )

The first item is COLLARD GREENS, the second is GARLIC SCAPES and the third are a prize possession here – SUGAR SNAP PEAS!

If you haven’t tried Collards….you really should.  They are an excellent source of Vitamin C, soluble fiber, and multiple disease fighting nutrients.  They are often prepared much like other green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale or other greens.   I am rather new to the ‘world of collard greens’ but I am a fan. 

The Garlic scape is the stem from which the seed head of the garlic bulb is formed.  As the bulb grows, the garlic stalk lengthens and the garlic scape will begin to curve.  The scape has a lot of flavor, although not quite the same level of pungency as the bulb. 

Scapes can be used much the same way as garlic and fit well in dishes that would compliment garlic. 

My first introduction to scapes was only last year via this CSA.  So limited as it may be, we will surely develop a friendship. 

So onto the dish: Sautéed collard greens, scapes & celery with ground lean turkey; lemon-basil quinoa & raw sugar snap peas.

Rather than give a recipe – because there was none…I’ll just tell you what I did.

1)      Boiled a pot of water and add the collards (removed from stem) for about 15 mins until tender, drain.

2)     Sauté in oil, chopped celery, onion and scape and add collards, until tender.

3)     Brown the turkey meat and drain, add a little teriyaki sauce for flavor.

4)     Combine collards & turkey.

5)     Serve with quinoa (more on this whole grain soon) and fresh sugar snap peas.

This was truly a quick and easy and GONE dinner. 

Whether you are from the South or not…Collards are just a great addition to your repertoire.

Until next time, Be Well.

Jen