Utica Greens

Name: Utica Greens
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 head escarole, washed and roughly chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 hot cherry pepper or 1-2 hot peppers, sliced (adjust to heat preference); 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional); 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; Grated Parmesan for serving (optional)

Utica Greens

Spicy sautéed escarole with hot peppers, garlic, and breadcrumbs — a bold Italian-American side dish from Upstate New York.

Prep 8 minCook 12 minTotal 20 min120 calCuisine: Italian, American

SIDEVEGETABLESPICYQUICKONE-PAN

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 head escarole, washed and roughly chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 hot cherry pepper or 1-2 hot peppers, sliced (adjust to heat preference)
0.5 cup chicken broth (optional)
0.5 cup Italian breadcrumbs
0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan for serving (optional)

Steps

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add garlic and sliced hot peppers; cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
Add escarole and cook 3–4 minutes until it starts to wilt.
Pour in chicken broth (if using) and continue cooking 4–5 minutes until greens are tender and flavorful.
Stir in breadcrumbs and red pepper flakes, and cook 1–2 minutes until breadcrumbs soak up some liquid.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and serve with grated Parmesan if desired.