Description
Horta is a traditional Greek dish of tender boiled greens finished with olive oil, lemon, and creamy feta. This simple Mediterranean recipe transforms leafy greens into a vibrant, nourishing side dish full of fresh flavor.
Ingredients
2 lbs mixed horta (dandelion, amaranth, sorrel, Swiss chard, or kale)
1 tsp salt (for boiling water)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 1 large lemon
1 onion or leek, finely chopped
2 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1/2 cup crumbled feta
2 Tbsp milk (for feta sauce)
1 grated tomato (optional variation)
Instructions
- Rinse the greens thoroughly under cold running water and trim any tough stems.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the salt. Add the greens and cook for 5 to 10 minutes until tender but still vibrant in color.
- Drain the greens well and gently squeeze out excess water to prevent the dish from becoming watery.
- If using onion or leek, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté until soft and translucent.
- Add the drained greens and chopped dill to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Remove from heat.
- For the feta sauce, place the feta and milk in a small saucepan over low heat and stir continuously until melted and creamy.
- Arrange the greens on a serving platter. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Spoon the warm feta sauce over the top and garnish with grated tomato if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For a rustic version, skip the feta sauce and simply crumble fresh feta over the greens.
Add minced garlic to the sautéed onions for extra depth of flavor.
Increase lemon juice or add lemon zest for a brighter finish.
You may use a single type of green such as Swiss chard or kale if mixed greens are unavailable.
For a dairy-free option, omit the feta sauce and finish with olive oil and lemon only.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling and Sauteing
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
