Herb Jam

This versatile condiment takes a page from Paula Wolfert’s original version in her book, The Slow Mediterranean Kitchen, in which a surplus of greens gets cooked down to a deeply savory jammy consistency. We simplified Wolfert’s steam-then-cook method and added toast and cheese for good measure. It’s the best way to use up a variety of herbs and greens that you might have in your crisper drawer. This recipe is part of the Healthyish Farmers’ Market Challenge. Get all 10 recipes here.

Ingredients

4 servings

4

garlic cloves, crushed

1

lb. mixed hardy greens (such as Swiss chard, mature spinach or arugula, and/or broccoli rabe)

3

cups tender herbs (such as parsley, mint, cilantro, fennel fronds, and/or tarragon)

¾

cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1

red or green chile, thinly sliced

1

1″ piece fresh ginger, peeled, finely grated

1

tsp. ground coriander
Kosher salt

1

tsp. fresh lemon juice
Whole-milk ricotta, farmer’s cheese, or feta (for serving)

4

½”-thick slices country-style bread, toasted

½

lemon

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Place garlic in a large pot. Layer greens and herbs over. Pour 1 cup water over. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cover pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and steam until greens and herbs are wilted and garlic is very soft, 20–30 minutes.

    Step 2

    Using tongs, transfer greens and herbs to a medium bowl. Let sit until cool enough to handle. Pick out garlic and transfer to a small bowl; using a fork, smash to a paste.

    Step 3

    Squeeze any excess water out of greens and herbs. Transfer to a cutting board, finely chop, and set aside.

    Step 4

    Wipe out skillet. Heat ½ cup oil over medium-low. Add chile and ginger and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and chile has softened, about 1 minute. Add chopped greens and herbs and cook, stirring often, until most of the moisture is cooked out of the greens, 10–15 minutes. Add garlic and coriander. Using a wooden spoon, mash garlic into greens mixture and stir to combine. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until well combined and flavors have melded, about 5 minutes more. Remove from heat. Season with salt and stir in lemon juice and remaining ¼ cup oil.

    Step 5

    Spoon ricotta on toast and top with herb jam. Finely zest lemon over.

    Step 6

    Do Ahead: Herb jam can be made 5 days ahead. Wrap in plastic, pressing directly onto surface, and chill. Let jam come to room temperature before using.

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