24 fresh sage leaves may sound like a lot, but, trust me, once they’re chopped and butter crisped you won’t mind. This recipe makes enough for four generous main course servings.
½recipeskillet cornbreadcut into 1-inch cubes (or 12 ounces of other cornbread)
1delicata squashunpeeled, seeded and cut into ½-inch strips
4slicesbaconcut into ¼-inch strips crosswise
4tablespoonsbutter¼ cup
24leavesfresh sagecoarsely chopped
½cupwater
2cupsfrozen black eyed peas
10ounceskalevery thinly sliced
2tablespoonextra virgin olive oilor more
1tablespoonred wine vinegar
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Start by making Skillet Cornbread and reserve ½ of it to make this cornbread salad.
Cornbread Salad
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange cubes of cornbread in a single layer. Bake for 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove and place cubes in a large salad bowl. (Leave oven on.)
Line the same baking sheet with a fresh sheet of parchment paper. Spread delicata squash over the bottom in a single layer; sprinkle bacon pieces over the top. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until bacon is browned and squash is tender – stir after about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and add to cornbread in salad bowl; toss to combine.
Meanwhile, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sage leaves; cook and stir until sage begins to crisp and butter smells slightly nutty. Add to cornbread and toss to combine.
In the same skillet (no need to wash it out) add water or broth, black eyed peas, and kale. Cook and stir for 4 to 6 minutes, or until peas are thawed and warm and kale has wilted slightly. Remove from heat and drizzle with olive oil, a splash or two of red wine vinegar, and salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add to cornbread mixture and toss to combine. Serve.
Notes
A quarter round of my skillet cornbread is just the right amount for this salad, but you can use any cornbread recipe you like.