Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped yellow or white onion
  • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon peeled and finely chopped fresh ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 3 cardamom seeds
  • 1 whole clove
  • Small pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
  • Small pinch of ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 3 ounces salt pork, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • Tiny pinch of ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • Tiny pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons spiced butter
  • 1/2 cup salted roasted cashew nuts
  • 1/2 cup golden raisins
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
  • 3 cups water
  • 6 cups coarsely chopped collard greens, leaves only
  • 2 tablespoons spiced butter

Method

  • To make the spiced butter, place the butter in a small, heavy saucepan and melt it slowly over medium heat.
  • Add the remaining ingredients, increase the heat slightly, and bring slowly to a boil.
  • Decrease the heat to very low and cook, uncovered, until the milk solids on the bottom are golden and the butter fat on the top is clear, about 45 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature.
  • Strain through a fine-mesh sieve lined with a double layer of cheesecloth into a small bowl.
  • Transfer the clear liquid to a small jar and refrigerate until ready to use.
  • To make the sausage, place all the ingredients except the salt in a medium bowl, and knead with your hands until thoroughly blended.
  • Cook and taste a small sample, then add salt if needed.
  • Form into 1-inch balls, place on a plate, cover, and set aside in the refrigerator until ready to use, or for up to overnight.
  • To make the rice, heat the butter in a small, heavy saucepan over medium-high heat.
  • Add the cashews and cook, stirring, until beginning to turn golden.
  • Add the raisins and rice and stir to coat with the butter.
  • Add the water and bring to a boil.
  • Decrease the heat until the water is barely shuddering.
  • Cover the pot, set the timer for 22 minutes, and let the rice cook without lifting the lid.
  • When the timer sounds, the water will have been absorbed and the rice will be tender.
  • Remove from the heat and set aside to steam dry and finish cooking for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Fluff up the rice with a fork just before serving.
  • To prepare the collards, bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat.
  • Add the collards and parboil until wilted and beginning to soften, about 5 minutes.
  • Drain well and set aside.
  • To finish the dish, heat the 2 tablespoons spiced butter in a large saute pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add the meatballs and saute until browned all around and cooked through, about 15 minutes.
  • Add the collards to the pan and continue cooking until they are tender, 6 to 7 minutes.
  • Transfer to a serving dish and serve right away, with the rice on the side.