Soulful Veggie Delight

Ingredients

In this soul food adaptation, we incorporate traditional Southern ingredients and cooking techniques to transform the Italian Verdure al Cartoccio into a soulful delight. We replace some of the original vegetables with Southern favorites like collard greens and okra, and infuse the dish with soul food spices and flavors. The slow-cooking method is also a nod to the Southern tradition of simmering dishes for hours to develop deep flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Verdure al cartoccio, so you can check it out.

• 2 bell peppers, sliced (250g) 2 bell peppers, sliced (250g)
• 1 onion, thinly sliced (150g) 1 onion, thinly sliced (150g)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup (150g) okra, sliced 1 cup (150g) okra, sliced
• 2 cups (200g) collard greens, chopped 2 cups (200g) collard greens, chopped
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Aluminum foil for wrapping Aluminum foil for wrapping

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 27g, 12g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 7g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized.
4. 4.
   Add the sliced okra and chopped collard greens to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. 5.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Tear off four large sheets of aluminum foil. Divide the vegetable mixture evenly among the sheets, placing it in the center.
7. 7.
   Fold the foil over the vegetables, sealing the edges tightly to create individual packets.
8. 8.
   Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
9. 9.
   Carefully open the foil packets, being cautious of the hot steam. Serve the Soulful Veggie Delight hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Collard greens — Remove the tough stems before chopping the leaves. Make sure to wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.
• Okra — To reduce the sliminess, you can blanch the sliced okra in boiling water for a few minutes before adding it to the skillet.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the vegetable mixture.
• Serve the Soulful Veggie Delight with a side of cornbread or rice to complete the soul food experience.
• Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on your preferences and seasonal availability.
• Experiment with different spices and herbs to create your own unique flavor profile.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify over time.

Serving advice

Serve the Soulful Veggie Delight as a main course, accompanied by your favorite soul food sides. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, carefully open the foil packets at the table, allowing the aromatic steam to escape. The vibrant colors of the vegetables will be revealed, creating an enticing visual display.