Imagine a dish that combines the peppery punch of mustard greens, the rich creaminess of Stilton cheese, and the irresistible crunch of crispy pancetta - all in one incredible warm salad. This British-inspired culinary masterpiece is not just a side dish; it's a flavor explosion that will elevate your dining experience from ordinary to extraordinary. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy meal that tantalizes your taste buds and impresses even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- Mustard greens
- Stilton cheese
- Pancetta
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Carefully wash the mustard greens under cold running water, then pat dry thoroughly with clean kitchen towels. Remove any tough stems and roughly chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- Cut the pancetta into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/2 inch in size. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the pancetta until it becomes crisp and golden brown, rendering its fat. This should take about 4-5 minutes.
- Remove the crispy pancetta with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Reserve the rendered pancetta fat in the skillet.
- In the same skillet with pancetta drippings, add a small splash of olive oil. Quickly sauté the mustard greens over high heat, tossing frequently to ensure even wilting. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes until the greens are just tender but still retain some texture.
- Deglaze the pan with balsamic vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Season the greens with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Transfer the warm mustard greens to serving plates. Crumble the Stilton cheese generously over the top of the greens.
- Sprinkle the crispy pancetta cubes over the salad. Drizzle with a little additional olive oil and balsamic vinegar if desired.
- Serve immediately while the greens are still warm, ensuring the Stilton is slightly melted and the pancetta remains crisp.
Tips
- Choose fresh, crisp mustard greens and wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.
- Use high-quality pancetta and Stilton for the most authentic flavor profile.
- Work quickly when sautéing the greens to maintain their vibrant color and slight crunch.
- Don't overcook the mustard greens - they should be just wilted, not completely soft.
- Use a cast-iron skillet if possible for better heat distribution and flavor development.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast between warm greens and crispy pancetta.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute bacon for pancetta or use a milder blue cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 45mg
