Change of Plan

Stir-fried baby bok choy and fava greens with walnuts

I decided to work through leftovers from last night, so the roast chicken will be tomorrow. I rarely keep leftovers for very long. In some ways, cooking for one is an advantage.

In other news, it isn’t every day that you log onto Manhunt and hook up with someone who you dated briefly — like 17 years ago. It’s even more of a shock when you find out he lives ten blocks from you.

peanut oil
2 shallots, minced
3 large garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 lb. baby bok choy, trimmed and sliced
1/2 lb. fava greens
pinch of kosher salt
sesame oil
1/4 cup toasted walnuts, chopped

Heat peanut oil in a large sauté pan or a wok on medium high heat. Add shallots and garlic. Stir-fry until aromatic. Add bok choy and fava greens. Sprinkle with a bit of salt. Stir-fry until greens are barely wilted, about 1 minute. Remove from heat, stir in walnuts and drizzle a little sesame oil. Serve immediately.

…With A Nice Chianti

Gnocchi with fava greens and ramps

Fava greens are the leaves from the fava bean plant. Their season lasts from early March to late May. It has a delicate, buttery flavor that reminds me of spinach or lamb’s quarters. Use as you would spinach or Swiss chard.

unsalted butter
2 T. extra-virgin olive oil
1 shallot, minced
1 bunch ramps, trimmed and sliced (separate leaves and stalks)
1 cup fava greens (packed)
kosher salt, to taste
freshly milled black pepper, to taste
cooked gnocchi
freshly grated Parmesan cheese
fresh thyme, choppped
fresh chives, chopped

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and shallots. Saute shallots until they turn translucent, about 1-2 minutes. Add ramp stalks and a pinch of salt. Cook until ramp stalks are partially caramelized, about 2-3 minutes. Fold in ramp leaves and fava greens. Cook until the greens are barely wilted, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Check seasoning and remove from heat.

Add gnocchi to pan along with a little more unsalted butter. Toss to coat. Sprinkle a little chopped fresh herbs and grated cheese, and serve immediately.