Grits, Greens & Sausage Bowl
The gentle sweetness of dried apples complements the savory, freshly made sausage patties in this nourishing main dish. Both are a nice contrast to the earthy greens and creamy grits.
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
1/4 cup (60 mL) dried apples, cut into 1/4-inch (0.5 cm) pieces
warm water (to fill a container)
1 lb (500 g) ground pork
1/2 tsp (2 mL) fennel seeds
1 tsp (5 mL) chopped fresh sage
1 tsp (5 mL) salt
1 tbsp (15 mL) avocado oil
4 cups (1 L) Simple Sautéed Greens
Grits
1 cup (250 mL) coarse cornmeal
1 cup (250 mL) warm water
Directions
- Grits: First, in a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups (750 mL) water to a boil. Then mix cornmeal with an additional 1 cup (250 mL) water and stir into boiling water. After that, reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring often, for 30 minutes or until slightly translucent. Finally, remove from heat, cover and let stand for 30 more minutes.
- Meanwhile, place dried apples in a small airtight container. Then add enough warm water to fill the container. Cover and let stand at room temperature, shaking container often, for 1 hour.
- Drain apples. In a medium bowl, combine apples, pork, fennel seeds, sage and salt. Mix until well combined. Then shape into 8 patties, each about 1/2 inch (1 cm) thick and 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter.
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-hight heat. Then add patties and cook, turning once, for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until no longer pink inside.
- Spoon grits into serving bowls. Then top with sausage patties and greens. Serve immediately.
Cooking Tips
You can make the grits ahead and let them cool. Reheat them by bringing a little water to a boil in a medium saucepan, then adding the grits and stirring until smooth. Alternatively, you can cut the cold grits into 1/2-inch (1 cm) thick slices and pan-fry them in a little oil or ghee over high heat until they’re browned and crisp at the edges.
Health Tips
Fennel seeds are used in Chinese medicine to ease abdominal pain, stimulate digestion and expel cold in the abdomen.
Pork is a meat that supplements blood and yin, therefore it can be beneficial for women, in small amounts.
Tasty Grits, Greens & Sausage Bowl