Italian Style Linguine with Mixed Greens

Italian Style Linguine with Mixed Greens

I cooked this for dinner for my family last night. What I really like about it is that it has a sophisticated taste, while satisfying like a comfort food, and is easy to make. Hope you enjoy it, too!

Ingredients*

2 lbs of mixed greens cleaned and rough chopped (I used mustard, turnip, collards, and spinach)
1 lb of gluten-free linguine or pasta of your choice (rice or corn)
Red pepper flakes
Sea salt
Fresh ground black pepper
4 Cloves of Garlic (minced or sliced)
Chicken or vegetable broth (about 2 cups, more as needed)
Olive oil
Grated Pecorino Romano to top (optional)

Variations: Add crispy bacon, soy mozzarella, olives, or tomatoes!

*If you don't have a particular ingredient, simply substitute something you have. If you don't like a particular ingredient, omit it. Nothing is set in stone. Make the recipe yours and let me know your tips, tricks, and twists!

Directions

• Drizzle enough olive oil in the bottom of a wok or very large saute pan to coat it completely (about 4 Tablespoons). Heat on medium high heat until quite hot.
• Lower heat to medium and gradually add greens.
• Drizzle a little additional olive oil with each addition of greens, tossing to coat. If you haven't cooked greens like this before, don't be alarmed at the amount. Greens shrink in size quickly when cooked, and all of them WILL fit in the wok by the end :)
• Add garlic, toss, and cook for a few minutes.
  
• Add broth and cook the greens covered, except for occasional tossing, for about 35 minutes (enough time to take the "toughness" out of them, but still maintain their nice green color).
  
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to boil for the linguine (or pasta of your choice).
• Cook the linguine according to the instructions.
• Add the linguine to the wok with the greens, thoroughly tossing.
  
• Add red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste.
• Cook together for about 2-3 minutes.
  
• Top with grated cheese if desired and serve immediately!

Suggested Wine Pairing
German Riesling (typically light and crisp, with a hint of sweetness to balance some of the natural bitterness in the greens)