Green is such a beautiful color! But often when it comes to healthy eating, instead of it signaling us to GO, GO, GO and gobble up these nutrient-dense delights, for many kids (and adults), it’s more like a red flag that stops them in their tracks.
So how can we encourage picky eaters to give greens a chance? The best bet is to prepare them in the most delicious ways possible. And frankly, I can’t think of a better way to make greens more appetizing than to add a little bacon to the mix. Our grandmas know best! Especially if you grew up in the South, you know that bacon or ham is a must-have addition when cooking-up greens – and for good reason, it results in remarkable flavor that’s hard to resist!
Of course, there will still be those that turn up their nose, but that just means more for those of us who appreciate a healthy-dose of green goodness. And, there’s always the option of sneaking in some greens by using the leftovers in soups, quiches, or even in pasta sauces (see recipe notes below).
Personally, I’ve found that continually encouraging healthy eating by providing lots of delicious opportunities to partake in its goodness, eventually leads picky eaters to expand their culinary horizons slowly, but surely!
Plus … a quick and easy breakfast!
Leftover sautéed also make a nutritious way to start the day! They’re especially delicious paired with a pastured egg or two. Want to make someone special smile? Use a cute cookie cutter to create “sunshine on a plate.” Simply crack an egg in a small prep bowl. Then, butter a cookie cutter and a preheated skillet. Place the cookie cutter on a preheated and well-buttered skillet so it lays completely flat. Gently pour in the egg and allow it to cook until set. Yummy and FUN!
Ingredients
- 2 large bunches of mild-flavor greens (such as Swiss chard or kale)
- 4 slices of uncured bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/3 cup fine diced sweet onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup homemade bone broth
- Sea salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large stock pot, cook bacon over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp. Then transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain.
- Reduce heat to medium, add the onion and cook until softened (about 2-3 minutes). Then add the garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Next, add the greens, cooking while turning with tongs, until wilted and bright green (about 2-3 minutes).
- Then, add the bone broth and continue to turn the greens with tongs, just until greens are tender (about 3-5 minutes).
- Toss with bacon and season to taste with salt and pepper. Yum!
Notes
Leftover greens are great for adding to egg scrambles, quiches, soups and it also makes a delicious topping for a tasty grain-free pizza! Yum!
