Spicy Canadian Greens

Ingredients

In this Canadian adaptation of Lalap, we incorporate Canadian maple syrup to add a touch of sweetness to the dish. The original Lalap typically consists of raw vegetables, but in this recipe, we lightly blanch the greens to achieve a tender yet crisp texture. Additionally, we use a combination of kale, Swiss chard, and spinach instead of the traditional Indonesian greens. These modifications infuse the dish with Canadian flavors while maintaining the essence of Lalap. We alse have the original recipe for Lalap, so you can check it out.

• 4 cups (240g) kale, stems removed 4 cups (240g) kale, stems removed
• 4 cups (240g) Swiss chard, stems removed 4 cups (240g) Swiss chard, stems removed
• 4 cups (240g) spinach 4 cups (240g) spinach
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red chili, finely chopped 1 red chili, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 3g, 0.4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 8g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the kale, Swiss chard, and spinach to the boiling water and blanch for 1 minute. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Squeeze out any excess water and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, lime juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, and chopped red chili.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the blanched greens and sauté for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
4. 4.
   Pour the maple syrup dressing over the greens and toss to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the greens are glazed and tender.
5. 5.
   Season with salt to taste and remove from heat.
6. 6.
   Serve the Spicy Canadian Greens warm as a side dish or as a main course with rice or bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Kale — Remove the tough stems before blanching to ensure a tender texture.
• Swiss chard — Separate the leaves from the stems and discard the stems. Only use the leaves for this recipe.
• Spinach — Rinse the spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit before blanching.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add more red chili or sprinkle some chili flakes on top.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup according to your preference.
• Experiment with different greens like arugula or mustard greens for a unique twist.
• Serve the Spicy Canadian Greens with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamy contrast.
• Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts for added crunch.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Canadian Greens as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. Alternatively, enjoy it as a light and refreshing main course by pairing it with steamed rice or crusty bread.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Spicy Canadian Greens on a platter, allowing the glossy glaze to shine. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, for a pop of color. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of tanginess.