Creamed Turnip Greens
Ingredients
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium onion, minced
6 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces sliced mushrooms
1 teaspoon paprika, chili powder, or Cajun seasoning for a little kick
1 pound fresh early turnip greens, washed, trimmed, and chopped
Sea salt to taste
Fresh ground black pepper to taste
16 ounces heavy cream or half & half
4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375ยฐ F/190ยฐ C. (Note: If the greens are fully grown and a little tough, wait until after they've had time to cook and tenderize a bit.)
2. Melt the butter in the pot over medium heat. Sautรฉ the onions and garlic until they are soft and translucent. Add the mushrooms and saute until they soften and glisten, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle the paprika over the vegetables and stir.
3. Add the turnip greens a few handfuls at a time, stirring as you go, until all the greens are in the pot. Once they have cooked down a bit, season with a little salt and pepper. Cover and continue cooking until the greens are tender, 20 to 30 minutes. If the greens were older, you may need to cook them for up to 60 minutes. Taste one to make sure you have the desired tenderness before adding the cream.
4. Stir in the cream or half & half, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, and cook until it has thickened, about 5 minutes or so.
5. Pour the greens into the baking dish and sprinkle the grated cheese on top.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.