Recipe: Soul Stew

Celebrate Black History Month by making this hearty traditional stew. Not only does it soothe the soul, it helps the body in many different ways.

Fiber:
All fruits and vegetables contain FIBER, which acts like a scrub in our bodies. It cleans our digestive system and helps it to work smoothly. Which ingredients in this recipe contain fiber?

Protein:
PROTEIN helps to build and support muscle, skin, bones, and blood. We can't live without it because they are the building blocks of life! Protein is usually found in meat, dairy, eggs, and fish, and beans, and in this recipe, you'll get a dose of fiber from the beans.

Soul Stew
Adapted from Cookshop
Serves 6 at 1 cup

Ingredients:
1 can black-eyed peas
1 bunch collard greens
1 can diced tomatoes
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 tablespoons molasses
1 teaspoon vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper
Hot sauce*
*Optional

Equipment:
Cutting board
Knife
Large pot
Can Opener
Measuring Cups
Measuring Spoons

Directions:
1. Chop onions in small pieces.
2. Wash collards, remove their stems and slice or tear leaves into very thin strips.
3. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook for 2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
4. Add collard greens and stir.
5. Add all remaining ingredients, except hot sauce, and stir well. Cover pot and cook for 10-15 minutes.
6. When greens are tender, taste the flavorings and add more vinegar, salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve alone or on top of rice or with a side of cornbread. Top with hot sauce if desired.

November Recipe: Go Green Saute

Go green with this saute! Dark leafy greens grow all year round in California, but grow best in cold weather. Now is the perfect time to use these greens in your favorite dishes to make your meals healthier for your body.

Examples of greens include:
- Collard greens
- Swiss chard
- Spinach
- Kale

Remember, the greener the leaf, the healthier it is.

After all, green fruits and vegetables help your eyes, bones, and teeth! What other green fruits and vegetables can you think of?

Greens have so many important vitamins and minerals that help our body, including Vitamin A which helps your eyes today (and tonight!), maintains smooth skin, and to fights off cancer!

For this recipe, think like a chef! What else can you add these sauteed greens to?

INGREDIENTS:
1 bunch Rainbow chard or kale
1/2 pound fresh Spinach
1/2 pound (8 ounces) rainbow pasta twists
2 cloves garlic
1/4 pound queso fresco or parmesan cheese
Olive oil
1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional:
Cooked brown rice or pasta


EQUIPMENT:
Colander
Large pot with lid
Large cooking spoon or tongs

Directions:
1. Rinse rainbow chard and spinach in water.
2. Rip leaves into small pieces.
3. Ask an adult to chop garlic into small, tiny pieces.
4. Have adult turn on medium-high heat and heat olive oil. Add garlic and stir.
5. Add the torn leaves to the pot and stir. Lower heat and cover for 2 minutes or until greens turn bright green. Add a dash of salt and pepper. Remove from heat and take off lid.
6. Mix greens with pasta.
7. Squeeze juice of 1 lemon and crumble cheese into pasta.
8. Enjoy!