Indulge in the flavors of Galicia with our authentic rendition of Lacón con Grelos, a cherished culinary gem from the Northwestern Spanish region. Our dish features tender boiled ham shoulder, meticulously prepared to preserve its succulence and rich taste. Complemented by the earthy bitterness of freshly harvested turnip greens, this hearty ensemble encapsulates Galician culinary heritage. Immerse yourself in the essence of Galicia with each savory bite, celebrating a centuries-old tradition of culinary excellence.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg (about 2.2 lbs) of Lacón (ham shoulder), preferably bone-in
• 500g (about 1 lb) of turnip greens (grelos)
• 3-4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and chopped into chunks
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt, to taste
• Water, as needed

Instructions:

1- Rinse the Lacón under cold water to remove any excess salt. Place it in a large pot and cover it with cold water. Let it soak for about 12 hours or overnight in the refrigerator, changing the water a couple of times during this period to remove excess salt.

2- After soaking, drain the water from the Lacón and place it back in the pot. Cover it with fresh cold water.

3- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bay leaf to the pot with the Lacón.

4- Place the pot on the stove over medium-high heat and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the Lacón is tender. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during cooking.

5- While the Lacón is cooking, prepare the turnip greens (grelos). Wash them thoroughly and trim off any tough stems. Cut the greens into bite-sized pieces.

6- In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add the chopped potatoes. Cook them until they are tender, then drain and set aside.

7- About 20-30 minutes before the Lacón is done cooking, add the chopped turnip greens to the pot. Let them cook together with the Lacón until they are tender.

8- Once the Lacón and turnip greens are cooked, remove them from the pot using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a serving platter.

9- Arrange the cooked potatoes around the Lacón and grelos.

10- Serve the Lacón con Grelos hot, accompanied by crusty bread if desired.

Enjoy your authentic Galician Lacón con Grelos!

Nutritional Values:

Lacón (ham shoulder):

• A 100g serving of boiled ham shoulder typically contains:Calories: 150
• Protein: 17g
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Sodium: 1000mg (varies based on the amount of salt used and the soaking process)

benefits

• Rich source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Contains various vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, zinc, and phosphorus, important for overall health.
• Provides energy and helps in maintaining satiety due to its protein and fat content.

Turnip greens (Grelos):

• A 100g serving of raw turnip greens typically contains:Calories: 32
• Protein: 1.5g
• Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 6.4g
• Fiber: 3.2g

benefits

• Excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, which are important for immune function, vision, and bone health.
• High in fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a healthy gut.
• Contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

Potatoes:

• A 100g serving of boiled potatoes typically contains:Calories: 87
• Protein: 1.9g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1.8g

benefits

• Good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body.
• Rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system and promotes healthy skin.
• Contains potassium, important for heart health and regulating blood pressure.
• Provides dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on various factors. If you need more accurate nutritional information, you may want to refer to the specific nutritional labels of the products you're using.