Ingredients
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1 cup chicken or 1 cup vegetable broth
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1 1/2 lbs greens, washed & trimmed (kale, collards, beet greens, or any combination. I usually use spinach)
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salt & freshly ground black pepper
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1 cup half-and-half
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4 tablespoons butter or 4 tablespoons margarine
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1/4 cup flour
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1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup ricotta cheese
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3 tablespoons dry breadcrumbs
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2 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Butter a 1 1/2-quart baking dish or casserole; preheat the oven to 375 degrees or (350 degrees if using an oven-proof glass dish).
- Cut out and discard the tough stems of the greens; if using kale or collards, cut out thick center ribs.
- Rinse all the greens and shake off any excess water, then chop them into 1/2-inch pieces.
- In a large skillet, cook the greens over low heat, adding them by handfuls and stirring them down as they wilt; add 1/2 cup of water if the greens seem dry.
- Cover the skillet and braise for 10 to 15 minutes, or until tender.
- Pour off any liquid left in the skillet, then season the greens with salt and pepper; transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Heat the broth and half-and-half in a saucepan just until bubbles form around the edge of the pan.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add the flour and cook, stirring, for one minute.
- Add the hot broth mixture all at once and stir over medium heat until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Whisk in the grated Parmesan and ricotta.
- Stir the greens into the cheese sauce and pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle with the bread crumbs and then sprinkle the grated mozzarella over the top.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the mozzarella is melted and lightly browned.
- Serve immediately.