Mess for One

As I understand it, a bunch of greens melted down with a few amendments is called a “mess” in the American South, as in “a mess of greens,” and served up with other main courses. I like this simple treat well enough to make a main dish out of it.

Slosh of olive oil

2 slices of onion, diced

2 mushrooms, sliced

1 clove garlic, minced finely

1 cup fresh baby spinach (or other greens—collards, kale, dandelion—all are good)

1 vegan sausage or beer brat, sliced into coins

1 wedge of lemon, juiced

Salt and pepper to taste

8 almonds, chopped coarsely

1. In a skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion and mushrooms until they’re just about translucent.
2. Add the garlic, spinach, and faux meat, turning until the greens are wilted, about 2 minutes.
3. Remove from the heat, squirt with the lemon wedge’s juice, season to taste, and top with chopped almonds.

Variations:

• Add fruit (like tangerines, dried cranberries, or raisins) and eat it cold. Picnic food!
• Add faux cheese crumbles and breadcrumbs to the top of this dish and bake it in the oven. Yummy!
• Serve over rice or noodles.
• Roll it up into a wrap with scrambled tofu for breakfast.