Miso Soup 101

1 medium onion, sliced in half moons
1 cup chopped komatsuna, bok choy, kale, collards, or other greens
1 carrot cut into thin rounds
1 three-inch piece wakame sea vegetable for additional flavor and trace minerals (optional)
1 cup tofu, cubed (optional) (try Vermont Soy in the farm shop)
1 quart water
3-4 tablespoons of light or dark miso (pick one from the farm shop!)
Chopped scallion or parsley for garnish

 Place water, carrot, onion, and wakame in 2-quart saucepan and bring to boil over high flame. Reduce flame to medium and simmer for 10 minutes with lid on. Add greens and tofu and simmer with lid off until tender. In a small bowl blend miso with 3-4 tablespoons of liquid from pot. Reduce flame to low, add diluted miso, and simmer briefly. Garnish and serve.

Recipe from South River Miso.

Quick Beet Greens

1 bunch beets w/ greens
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp sunflower seeds

Toss beets with greens, garlic, and oil in large sauce pan or skillet. Cover and sauté until greens are just wilted. Add a splash of water if necessary to prevent greens from sticking to the pan. Toast sunflower seeds in a dry skillet or hot oven several minutes, tossing often and stir into greens. Serves 4.

Stuffed Large Green Leaves

A versatile, beautiful dish, great as an appetizer or main dish. I first made this with collards, but have made it with chard, komatsuna (pictured), vitamin green and kale. The stuffing can easily be changed to please vegans, vegetarians or carnivores, can be any leftover in your refrigerator or a new inspiration

Steam 12-18 large green leaves

(for carnivores)

Heat pan to medium and add 1 pound of ground meat (pork, turkey, beef, lamb). Crush a clove of garlic or add some pureed garlic scape. Add grated ginger or hot peppers for flavor. Cook meat until no longer red.

Add any cooked grain (rice, quinoa, barley, etc), about 1/2-1 cup, or to your liking. 

A dash of oyster sauce adds a nice flavor. Salt and pepper to taste. 

Lay leaves on counter, put a spoonful of filling on top and roll like a burrito. Place in baking dish. May be eaten right away or baked for 20-30 minutes to better meld the flavors. 

(for vegans and vegetarians)

Sautee 1 onion with garlic or garlic scares, add 1 cup cooked rice, chopped mint and chopped parsley and some dried fruit or nuts (dried cherries or currants are great). 

Lay leaves on counter, put a spoonful of filling on top and roll like a burrito. Place in baking dish. May be eaten right away or baked for 20-30 minutes to better meld the flavors. 

Vegan or dairy cheese may be sprinkled on top for additional flavor (feta is great).