Braised Cabbage with Pancetta and Chestnuts

2011 Sep/Oct

  • Britannia Plaza

Ingredients:

  • 1 head savoy cabbage or 2 bunches black kale, sliced
  • 2 T. olive oil
  • 2 T. butter
  • 1/3 c. pancetta or smoked bacon, finely diced
  • 1/2 c. vacuum-packed chestnuts, chopped
  • 1 t. chopped fresh thyme leaves
  • 3 T. Oloroso sherry or sherry vinegar
  • Kosher salt and pepper

Directions:

Set a large covered pan of salted water over high heat and bring to a rolling boil. Add the cabbage or kale to the saucepan, cover, and when the water comes to the boil again, boil for 1 minute. Drain the cabbage and pat dry with paper towels. Set the saucepan back over medium-high, add the olive oil and butter. When hot, add the pancetta and sauté for a few minutes, until it starts to crisp. Add the garlic and turn down the heat, cooking the garlic until lightly golden. Add the chestnuts and thyme, stir and cook for a couple more minutes. Add the sherry and simmer for a minute, then add the cabbage and toss well until it’s warmed through. Taste for seasoning and serve. Serves 4.