Recipes usually dictate the vessel they’re served in. Am I right? But sometimes, the vessel dictates the recipe.
Case in point…
While antiquing in Boston last weekend, Luc discovered this little coffee-colored beauty…
…and of course…we could not pass it up.
As the days went on, I pondered my newly acquired treasure and decided that this particular bowl’s coming out party needed to hold a recipe that was as homey and rustic as it.
And then it came to me.
Does it get any more unrefined and countrified than simple greens covered in golden brown bread crumbs? I don’t think so.
And we’re not talking one green, not even two, but four greens covered in a crunchy buttery crispy blanket of crumbs.
There is so much freedom with a dish like this.
You can use as few or as many greens as you like.
You can even use whatever greens you like.
Today we’re going with escarole, spinach, broccoli florets and cabbage.
Once the greens are slightly cooked in boiling water then nestled in their bowl, they’ll spend another ten minutes or so heating through in the oven, with a final two spent toasting up the crumbs.
This is a side that goes perfectly with just about anything!
Buon Appetito!
- 1 - 2 tsp. salt
- ½ head coarsely chopped escarole
- 2 cups spinach
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 Tbsp. fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 small cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dried Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- ½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- In a large saucepan, bring a quart of salted water to a boil. Add the escarole, spinach, cabbage and broccoli.
- Cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove vegetables from water and plunge into cold water to stop the cooking process and to retain color.
- Drain and set aside.
- Place vegetables in a lightly greased 8" x 10" casserole and sprinkle with parsley.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a small skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and garlic.
- Sauté garlic for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown.
- Add bread crumbs and red pepper flakes.
- Stir constantly for 1 minute or until bread crumbs are just toasted.
- Remove casserole from oven and top with the toasted bread crumb mixture.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until top is crusty and golden brown.
- Serve.
Ciao!
Love your new baking dish, (and the metal plate too)! This looks like something I could eat over and over again and never grow tired of it! 🙂
I’m actually not sure that it made it to the table…hubby and I munched on it right out of the oven! I promise we didn’t do this when the kids were little! 🙂 Thanks Kari!
That dish was a great find, and the baked greens look fantastic!!!
Thank you Amanda!
This looks amazing! I love your new bowl. Its fun finding new props for blogging. I love the idea of making the greens with the breadcrumb topping. Can’t wait to try!
Thanks Kelley! I know…don’t you just love new props!
This looks incredible, Annie! I love all greens and veggies but when you combine them together with breadcrumbs and red pepper flakes? That’s like music to my ears! Gorgeous serving dish too, what a great find! Pinning!
Thanks so much Kelly! Yeah…these veggies are great on their own, but topped with spicy buttery bread crumbs…I hear music too! Thanks for pinning!
Your crumb topping looks absolutely wonderful. this definitely puts these greens over the top. Wonderful recipe
Thank you so much!!
I love greens so I know I will love this. Have to give this one a try! Thanks for the recipe Annie! 🙂
Thanks Manali! This is a yummy side dish staple!
I love all of the greens in this dish – it embodies a rustic elegance. Top that with the buttery breadcrumb topping, and I’m hooked!
Thank you Kathleen! Such a great way to get a great dose of veggies in our life! We’re hooked too! Enjoy!
Annie, I just love your writing style! I felt so welcome reading your post and am intrigued by how you based this recipe on the dish you found at the antique shoppe. It’s obvious you’re passionate about the food you prepare! Pinned to make later!
Thank you so much Heather! That means so much to me. As bloggers, I believe, at the start of every post, we write in invisible ink…Welcome. Because that’s precisely what we’re doing…we’re welcoming folks into our homes; into our lives. Enjoy this dish! Buon Appetito!
I too sometimes make a recipe based on a dish. We eat a lot of greens in my home and I’m always looking for a new way to prepare them. Definitely making your recipe.
Fantastic! You can’t beat greens… especially when there’s a crunchy topping involved! Thanks Kathy! Buon Appetito!
What a beautiful find, and oh my goodness, this recipe sounds incredible!
Thank you – we got so lucky that day…I actually came away with a few beautiful pieces. Hope you enjoy the recipe!
Loving that butter crumb topping. Like Michele, I’ve never had my veggies baked quite like this. Seems like the perfect thing to bring for Thanksgiving dinner. Now about that dish….hmmm, can I borrow it! Just kidding! Love antiquing too, it’s fun, you never know what you’ll score =)
Hi Laura! Thank you so much!! Of course you can borrow the dish! 🙂 I agree, this would be a lovely side dish for Thanksgiving! Thanks for stopping by!
What a fun twist on a regular green bean casserole, Annie! I love your creativity! All of my favorite veggies combined into one…the perfect side dish!
Thanks Gayle! These veggies come together beautifully under the crunchy crumb topping!
This meal looks spectacular in the bowl! I like baked greens! Must try these, will be great for Thanksgiving side dish!
Thank you Mira! I agree – this would be an awesome side dish for the holidays!
So glad I’m not the only one to make a dish around a bowl! It’s like creating one’s outfit around a spectacular pair of shoes! These greens look fabulous (almost as fabulous as the bowl they are served in!)
Hahaha…I figured there had to be a few of us out there!! Love the analogy(!) and you’re exactly right! Thanks Lindsey!!
Those greens look totally stunning in that bowl, so I would say they are definitely meant to be!!
Yes! Thank you! A match made in heaven! 🙂
Gorgeous photos, and your greens look absolutely delicious. I love that crumb topping!
Thank you so much Rachel! Nothin’ like crumb topping!
Love your new dish Annie! I think these baked greens is perfect and rustic for it! What a perfect find, and a delicious recipe! Pinned!
This was a fun one from start to finish! Thank you Kristi!
LOVE this recipe! I love greens/veggies but I have never had them baked with a bread crumb topping! it sounds great!
Yeah…this is a keeper! Thanks Michele!