Sautéed Garden Greens with Crispy Garlic & Pecan Crumble
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There’s nothing sadder than a pile of lifeless, overcooked greens—and nothing more delicious than greens that are tender, garlicky, and finished with a crunchy pecan crumble.
This recipe takes basic sautéed greens and makes them exciting, with crispy golden garlic, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and a buttery, nutty crumble made from toasted pecans. It’s the kind of dish that even greens skeptics can’t resist—because who can say no to crunchy, buttery goodness?
It works with any hearty greens—Swiss chard, collard greens, mustard greens, or even kale. Grab what you have and let’s make greens the star of the plate.
Ingredients
For the Sautéed Greens:
- 1 bunch Swiss chard, collard greens, or mustard greens
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Pecan Crumble:
- ¼ cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp brown sugar
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
Toast the Pecan Crumble
- Melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped pecans, brown sugar, and salt, stirring until golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Sauté the Greens
- Wash and chop greens into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Toss in the greens, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until just wilted.
Finish with the Pecan Crumble
- Remove greens from heat and sprinkle with the buttery pecan crumble.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving & Pairing Ideas
Serve with: Roasted chicken, pork chops, or grilled fish. Make it a meal: Toss in cooked beans or top with a fried egg. Leftovers? Store in the fridge for up to 3 days—but that pecan crunch is best fresh!
Final Thoughts: The Greens That Convert Skeptics
This is the gateway recipe for people who think they don’t like greens. The crispy, buttery pecan topping takes everything to the next level, turning a simple side dish into something deeply satisfying.
If you’re looking for a way to make greens actually exciting, this is it. Fresh, flavorful, and full of crunch—who knew greens could be this good?
