Experience the flavors of Kenya with this hearty and delicious dish of braised collard greens and ground beef. Combining aromatic spices with fresh vegetables, this recipe is not only nutritious but also packed with flavor. Perfect for a family dinner or a unique weeknight meal, it brings a taste of East Africa to your table.
Photos of Kenyan Braised Collard Greens and Ground Beef Recipe
Some of the ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in your pantry. Ground turmeric and ground cumin are essential for the unique flavor profile, while collard greens may be less familiar compared to other leafy greens. If you can't find collard greens, kale is a good alternative. Grape tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity, balancing the earthy greens and savory beef.
Ingredients for Kenyan Braised Collard Greens and Ground Beef
Olive oil: Provides a base for sautéing and adds a subtle richness to the dish.
White onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
Garlic cloves: Infuses the dish with a rich, aromatic essence.
Jalapeno: Adds a mild heat that complements the other spices.
Ground beef: Provides a hearty, protein-rich component.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and seasoning.
Ground cinnamon: Introduces a warm, aromatic sweetness.
Ground ginger: Adds a zesty, slightly spicy undertone.
Turmeric: Contributes a warm, earthy flavor and vibrant color.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
Ground cumin: Adds a deep, earthy, and slightly nutty flavor.
Ground coriander: Brings a citrusy, slightly sweet note to the dish.
Collard greens: A nutrient-dense leafy green that adds texture and a slightly bitter flavor.
Grape tomatoes: Provide a sweet and acidic burst of flavor.
Lemon juice: Adds a bright, tangy finish to the dish.
One reader, Jen Mccurdy says:
This Kenyan braised collard greens and ground beef recipe is a delightful blend of spices and flavors. The tender collard greens and juicy ground beef create a hearty, satisfying dish. The hint of lemon juice adds a refreshing touch. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Cooking Techniques for Kenyan Braised Collard Greens and Ground Beef
How to chop an onion: Peel the onion and cut it in half. Place the flat side down and make horizontal cuts, then vertical cuts to dice. How to mince garlic: Peel the garlic cloves and finely chop them with a knife. How to handle a jalapeño: Cut off the stem, slice the jalapeño in half lengthwise, remove the seeds and membranes if you want less heat, and then finely chop. How to brown ground beef: Break the ground beef into small pieces in the skillet and cook until it is no longer pink, stirring occasionally. How to prepare collard greens: Wash the collard greens thoroughly, remove the tough stems, and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. How to halve grape tomatoes: Place the tomatoes on a cutting board and slice them in half with a sharp knife. How to season to taste: Add salt and pepper gradually, tasting as you go, until the desired flavor is achieved.
How To Make Kenyan Braised Collard Greens and Ground Beef
Try this quick and easy braised collard greens and tender ground beef recipe for a practical, yummy foreign dish! No airplane ticket needed. *wink*
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tspolive oil
- ½white onion,coarsely chopped
- 2garlic cloves,chopped
- 1jalapeno,seeded and chopped
- 1lbground beef,90% lean
- ½tspblack pepper
- ½tspground cinnamon
- ½tspground ginger
- ½tspturmeric
- 1tspkosher salt
- 1tspground cumin
- 1tspground coriander
- 1bunchcollard greens,8 leaves, stems removed sliced into 1-inch srips
- 15grape tomatoes,quartered
- 1tsplemon juice
Instructions
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Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the onion and saute for about 4 minutes, or until soft.
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Add the garlic and jalapeño and saute for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
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Add the ground beef and seasonings and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, until browned.
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Add the collard greens and tomatoes and saute for about 4 minutes, until wilted.
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Stir everything gently as it cooks, careful not to mush the tomatoes.
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Add the lemon juice, season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 327.71kcal
- Fat: 24.25g
- Saturated Fat: 8.82g
- Trans Fat: 1.34g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11.02g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.82g
- Carbohydrates: 6.33g
- Fiber: 2.06g
- Sugar: 2.42g
- Protein: 20.80g
- Cholesterol: 80.51mg
- Sodium: 474.24mg
- Calcium: 67.80mg
- Potassium: 529.64mg
- Iron: 3.21mg
- Vitamin A: 53.13µg
- Vitamin C: 17.30mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting Kenyan Braised Collard Greens and Ground Beef
To ensure the collard greens are tender and flavorful, remove the tough stems before chopping and adding them to the skillet. This will help them cook evenly and blend seamlessly with the ground beef and spices.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Kenyan Dish
Prep ingredients in advance: Chop the onion, garlic, and jalapeno ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-washed collard greens: Save time by buying pre-washed and pre-cut collard greens.
Cook in batches: Brown the ground beef separately before adding it to the skillet with other ingredients.
Multitask: While the onion is sautéing, measure out your spices and have them ready to go.
Use a food processor: Quickly mince the garlic and jalapeno using a food processor.
Substitute Ingredients For Kenyan Braised Collard Greens and Ground Beef Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.
white onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions have a similar flavor profile and can be used interchangeably.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Use 1/8 tsp of garlic powder per clove for a similar flavor.
jalapeno - Substitute with serrano pepper: Serrano peppers have a similar heat level and flavor.
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and absorbs spices well.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat without altering the color of the dish.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with allspice: Allspice has a similar warm flavor profile.
ground ginger - Substitute with fresh ginger: Use 1 tbsp of fresh ginger for every 1/4 tsp of ground ginger for a more vibrant flavor.
turmeric - Substitute with saffron: Saffron provides a similar color and a unique flavor, though use sparingly due to its potency.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar texture and flavor.
ground cumin - Substitute with ground caraway seeds: Caraway seeds have a similar earthy flavor.
ground coriander - Substitute with ground fennel seeds: Fennel seeds provide a sweet, aromatic flavor similar to coriander.
collard greens - Substitute with kale: Kale has a similar texture and can be used in the same way.
grape tomatoes - Substitute with cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes have a similar size and sweetness.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor.
Presenting Kenyan Braised Collard Greens and Ground Beef
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the Kenyan braised collard greens and ground beef in a small, elegant portion to highlight the dish's rich flavors and textures. Use a ring mold to shape the ground beef mixture neatly on the plate.
Use decoration: Garnish the dish with a few fresh grape tomatoes sliced in half and a sprinkle of finely chopped collard greens to add a pop of color and freshness.
Add height: Stack the collard greens and ground beef mixture slightly to give the dish height and visual appeal. Place the collard greens on top of the ground beef for a layered effect.
Drizzle with sauce: Lightly drizzle a reduction made from the lemon juice and a touch of olive oil around the plate to enhance the presentation and add a zesty flavor.
Use a clean plate: Ensure the plate is spotless before serving. Wipe any smudges or spills to maintain a professional and polished look.
Add a microgreen garnish: Top the dish with a small handful of microgreens or finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to add a touch of elegance and a burst of freshness.
Serve with a side: Pair the dish with a small side of steamed rice or quinoa served in a separate, stylish bowl to complement the flavors and provide a complete meal.
Highlight the spices: Sprinkle a tiny pinch of ground cumin, ground coriander, and turmeric around the edge of the plate to emphasize the aromatic spices used in the dish.
Use a contrasting plate: Serve the dish on a dark-colored plate to make the vibrant colors of the collard greens and grape tomatoes stand out, creating a visually striking presentation.
Finish with a touch of luxury: Add a small dollop of creme fraiche or a thin slice of avocado on the side to introduce a creamy element and elevate the overall dining experience.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Kenyan Recipe
Large skillet: Used for cooking the ground beef, collard greens, and other ingredients together. It provides ample space for sautéing and ensures even cooking.
Olive oil: Used to sauté the onions, garlic, and jalapeño, adding flavor and preventing sticking.
Knife: Essential for chopping the onion, garlic, jalapeño, and collard greens.
Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for chopping vegetables and other ingredients.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients as they cook, ensuring even mixing and preventing the tomatoes from getting mushed.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the spices and seasonings accurately.
Mixing bowl: Useful for combining the ground beef with the spices before adding it to the skillet.
Tongs: Handy for tossing the collard greens and tomatoes gently to avoid mushing them.
Lemon juicer: Helps extract the lemon juice efficiently without seeds.
Serving dish: For presenting the finished dish attractively.
Spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the skillet and ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
Storing and Freezing Kenyan Braised Collard Greens and Ground Beef
- Allow the kenyan braised collard greens and ground beef to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For short-term storage, place the cooled dish in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze, transfer the cooled braised collard greens and ground beef to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
- If using a container, leave about 1/2 inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
- If using a plastic bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the dish name and date of freezing.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality and flavor.
- To reheat, thaw the frozen kenyan braised collard greens and ground beef in the refrigerator overnight.
- Transfer the thawed dish to a saucepan or skillet and reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- You may need to add a splash of water or broth to help loosen the mixture and prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the dish in the microwave, stirring every 30-60 seconds to ensure even heating.
- Serve the reheated kenyan braised collard greens and ground beef hot, and enjoy the flavors of this delicious and nutritious meal once again!
How To Reheat Leftover Kenyan Braised Collard Greens and Ground Beef
Reheat the kenyan braised collard greens and ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through and the flavors meld together once again. This method allows you to control the temperature and ensures even reheating without overcooking the collard greens or drying out the ground beef.
For a quicker reheating option, use the microwave. Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent the collard greens from drying out, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the dish is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the ground beef to become tough and the collard greens to turn mushy.
If you have a bit more time, consider reheating the dish in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to maintain the texture of the collard greens and keeps the ground beef moist.
For a unique twist, transform your leftovers into a savory breakfast hash. Chop up the kenyan braised collard greens and ground beef, then sauté them in a skillet with diced potatoes, onions, and your favorite seasonings. Top with a fried egg for a satisfying and flavorful breakfast that makes the most of your leftovers.
Interesting Trivia About Kenyan Braised Collard Greens and Ground Beef
A unique aspect of this Kenyan braised collard greens and ground beef recipe is the use of spices like cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric, which add a rich, aromatic flavor profile.
Budget-Friendly Kenyan Braised Collard Greens and Ground Beef
This Kenyan braised collard greens and ground beef recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like ground beef, collard greens, and grape tomatoes are relatively affordable and widely available. The use of spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric adds depth without significantly increasing the cost. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $12-$15 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is This Kenyan Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
This Kenyan braised collard greens and ground beef recipe is a nutritious and flavorful dish. The use of lean ground beef provides a good source of protein, while the collard greens offer a variety of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. The inclusion of onion, garlic, and jalapeño adds depth of flavor and provides additional health benefits.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Use a leaner cut of ground beef, such as 90% lean or higher, to reduce the amount of saturated fat
- Increase the amount of collard greens to boost the fiber and nutrient content of the dish
- Reduce the amount of salt used in the recipe or replace it with a low-sodium alternative
- Consider adding other vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, to increase the variety of nutrients
To further enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, you could:
- Serve the dish with a side of whole grains, such as brown rice or quinoa, to add more fiber and complex carbohydrates
- Top the dish with a sprinkle of chopped nuts or seeds, such as almonds or pumpkin seeds, to add healthy fats and extra protein
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the finished dish to add a burst of vitamin C and brighten the flavors
- Experiment with different spices and herbs, such as smoked paprika or thyme, to add variety and potential health benefits without increasing calorie content
Editor's Opinion on Kenyan Braised Collard Greens and Ground Beef
This Kenyan braised collard greens and ground beef recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors. The combination of spices like cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric adds a warm, aromatic depth to the dish. The collard greens and grape tomatoes provide a fresh, vibrant contrast to the savory ground beef. The touch of lemon juice at the end brightens the overall flavor, making it a well-balanced and satisfying meal. It's a nutritious and flavorful dish that is both hearty and comforting, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
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Why trust this Kenyan Braised Collard Greens and Ground Beef Recipe:
This recipe for Kenyan braised collard greens and ground beef is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric creates a rich and aromatic dish. The addition of grape tomatoes and a splash of lemon juice adds a refreshing tang. The step-by-step instructions ensure that even novice cooks can achieve a delicious result. Trust this recipe for its authentic taste and straightforward preparation.
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