Skip to main content

Skillet Greens with Crispy Shallots and Cider Gastrique

This vibrant dairy-free side dish transforms simple leafy greens into a sophisticated accompaniment using a balance of sweet, sharp and salty flavours. A mixture of collards, chard and kale provides a robust texture that stands up beautifully to the slow-braising process. The dish is elevated by a homemade cider gastrique—a classic French-style sweet and sour sauce—which cuts through the richness of the greens perfectly.

Topped with golden, crispy fried shallots, these greens offer a wonderful contrast in every bite. It is an excellent choice for those looking for a nutritious yet indulgent vegetable dish that fits a dairy-free lifestyle. Serve this alongside a Sunday roast or grilled meats for a flavour-packed alternative to traditional steamed vegetables.

Poursuivre la lecture ci-dessous

Ingredients for Skillet Greens with Crispy Shallots and Cider Gastrique

  • 60ml sugar

  • 120ml apple cider vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper

  • 475ml plus 1 tablespoon peanut oil

  • 475ml thinly sliced shallots

  • Coarse kosher salt

  • 2 tablespoons bacon drippings

  • 900g greens (such as collards, chard, and kale), stems removed, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-wide strips

How to make Skillet Greens with Crispy Shallots and Cider Gastrique

Dissolve sugar in 1 tablespoon water in small saucepan over medium heat. Increase heat; boil without stirring until amber, brushing pan sides with wet pastry brush, about 5 minutes. Add vinegar and crushed pepper (mixture will bubble vigorously). Stir until caramel bits dissolve. Cool.

Pour 475ml oil into heavy medium saucepan. Attach deep-fry thermometer to side of pan and heat oil to 177°C. Working in batches, fry shallots until golden brown, stirring occasionally, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes per batch. Using slotted spoon, transfer shallots to paper towels. Sprinkle with coarse salt.

Heat drippings with 1 tablespoon peanut oil in large pot over medium-high heat. Add half of greens and sprinkle with coarse salt and pepper; toss until wilted. Add remaining greens; toss to wilt, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until greens are tender, adding water by 60ml fuls if dry, about 45 minutes. Season with coarse salt and pepper.

Rewarm gastrique. Transfer greens to large shallow bowl. Drizzle some gastrique over and sprinkle shallots over. Serve, passing remaining gastrique.

Clause de non-responsabilité

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Historique de l'article

Les informations contenues dans cette page ont été évaluées par des cliniciens qualifiés.

  • 16 janvier 2026 | Publié à l'origine

    Auteur: :

    UK recipe editors

    Examiné par des pairs

    UK recipe editors
Vérification de l'éligibilité à la grippe

Demandez, partagez, connectez-vous.

Parcourez les discussions, posez des questions et partagez vos expériences sur des centaines de sujets liés à la santé.

vérificateur de symptômes

Vous ne vous sentez pas bien ?

Évaluez gratuitement vos symptômes en ligne

Inscrivez-vous à la newsletter destinée aux patients

Votre dose hebdomadaire de conseils santé clairs et fiables, rédigés pour vous aider à vous sentir informé, confiant et maître de la situation.

Veuillez saisir une adresse e-mail valide.

En vous abonnant, vous acceptez notre politique de confidentialité. Vous pouvez vous désabonner à tout moment. Nous ne vendons jamais vos données.