Mashed and Baked Potatoes with Greens

I think we can all agree that mashed potatoes are a wonderful thing; nothing says home, happiness, security and comfort more than a big pile of soft, fluffy potatoes. Many among my acquaintance would also agree that sauteed kale is equally splendid, especially in combination with really good olive oil and a whole bunch of garlic. Which is why this recipe is pretty much the greatest thing ever: it combines the two to create something even better than the sum of its already awesome parts. I guarantee that once you've mashed some greens up with your taters, topped them with bread crumbs and baked the whole mess into beauteous crunchiness, you will agree that this combination is a marriage made in food heaven.

Mashed and Baked Potatoes with Greens

Ingredients:
~ 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
~ 2 tbsp. minced garlic
~ 4 scallions, thinly sliced
~ 1 lb. leafy greens (I used kale), rinsed and chopped
~ 2 tsp. kosher salt
~ Fresh black pepper
~ 6 Yukon Gold potatoes, unpeeled and cubed
~ 1 cup whole wheat panko or other bread crumbs
~ Paprika for garnish

Directions:
~ Put the chopped potatoes in a large, deep pot and cover with cold water. Add a large pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to pot.
~ In a large skillet or wok, heat 1/4 cup of the olive oil and sautee the garlic and scallions over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Add the salt, pepper and, by handfuls, the chopped greens, stirring to incorporate. Cook for another 5-10 minutes, until the greens are wilted but still green.
~ Add the cooked greens and the additional 1/4 cup of olive oil to the cooked potatoes, and mash the whole lot together, adding more salt and pepper to taste if you like.
~ Transfer to an oiled 9 x 13" baking dish and top with panko crumbs, another drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika.
~ Bake for 15 minutes at 425 degrees, then break up the crust with a fork to make a rough texture.
~ Return to the oven and bake another 15 minutes until crunchy and beautiful. Serve as a side dish, or as a delicious lunch (or brunch!) accompanied by a salad and some crunchy bread.