UTTICA GREENS

 UTTICA GREENS

INGREDIENTS: 1/4 CUP OLIVE OIL, 1 CHOPPED ONION, 6 CLOVES CHOPPED GARLIC, 1 CUP CHOPPED PROSCIUTTO, 1/2 TSP SALT, 1 TSP PEPPER, 1 TBS OREGANO, 1 BAG CHOPPED ESCAROLE, 1 CUP ITALIAN
BREAD CRUMBS, 1/2 CUP HOT AND SWEET SLICED CHERRY PEPPERS, 3/4 CUP  SHREDDED PARMESAN/PECORINO CHEESE

EXTRA OIL.

SAUTE THE ONION AND GARLIC IN THE OIL FOR 5 MINUTES, ADD THE  PROSCIUTTO AND COOK ANOTHER 2 MINUTES. ADD THE ESCAROLE, SALT, PEPPER AND OREGANO AND SAUTE UNTIL ESCAROLE IS SOFTENED.  TURN OFF THE SKILLET AND ADD THE CHERRY PEPPERS AND MIX THROUGHLY.

OVEN TO 350. 

PUT THE ESCAROLE MIX IN A SPRAYED GLASS BAKING PAN. TOP WITH BREAD CRUMBS AND CHEESE AND SPRINKLE SOME MORE OLIVE OIL ON TOP

COOK UNCOVERED 20 MINUTES

Note: If you are using fresh escarole, wash it thoroughly and chop it up before putting it in the skillet.  If you are worried about it being bitter, blanch it in boiling water for 2 minutes, drain thoroughly and then add to the skillet. 

If you're a vegetarian, just skip the prosciutto.

If you're gluten free, use gluten free bread crumbs.