My Favorite Sauteed Kale
I LOVE kale and this is how I like to make it almost every time. I'm a hot pepper flake chick, but if that's too much for you, just leave it out! Great as a side dish, but I can eat this as my main meal, maybe just add some chickpeas or cannelini beans in at the end, amazing!
I LOVE kale and this is how I like to make it almost every time. I'm a hot pepper flake chick, but if that's too much for you, just leave it out! Great as a side dish, but I can eat this as my main meal, maybe just add some chickpeas or cannelini beans in at the end, amazing!
- Carbohydrate 18.8765085916218 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 2.88567997197367 g
- Fiber 3.43344277356949 g
- Protein 5.74756057882903 g
- Saturated Fat 0.389133396362424 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (181g)
- Sodium 93.6791628953909 mg
- Sugar 15.4430658180523 g
- Trans Fat 0.420475233882097 g
- Calories 109 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes, if using, and let them sizzle a bit in the oil.
- Add the garlic and cook until soft, but not colored.
- Raise heat to high, add the stock and kale and toss to combine.
- Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove cover and continue to cook, stirring until all (most) the liquid has evaporated. I like the kale to still remain bright-ish green.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and add vinegar.
My Favorite Sauteed Kale: A Simple Weeknight Delight
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can be a real challenge. But I've discovered that simple recipes, like this sauteed kale, are the key to keeping my family nourished and happy without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is my go-to when I need a quick and easy side dish, or even a light and satisfying main course. It's incredibly versatile, and I often adjust it based on what I have on hand and my family's preferences. Sometimes, I'll add a can of chickpeas or cannelini beans for extra protein and texture – it's a fantastic way to boost the nutritional value of the dish.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It requires minimal ingredients and comes together in under 15 minutes. I love how the kale retains its vibrant green color, which is a testament to the quick cooking time. The slight charring from the high heat adds a depth of flavor that I find irresistible. And the balsamic vinegar adds a tangy touch that perfectly balances the earthy flavor of the kale. I’m a bit of a spice enthusiast, so I always add a pinch of red pepper flakes – but feel free to omit them if you prefer a milder dish.
This sauteed kale is incredibly versatile. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, roasted vegetables, or even a hearty lentil soup. It can also be enjoyed as a standalone dish, perhaps with a side of crusty bread for dipping into any leftover flavorful oil. The possibilities are truly endless!
Why This Kale Recipe is a Winner
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. No complicated techniques or special equipment needed!
Healthy and Nutritious: Kale is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This recipe is a simple way to incorporate more greens into your diet.
Flavorful and Versatile: The combination of olive oil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and a hint of red pepper flakes (optional) creates a flavorful and satisfying dish. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding other ingredients.
Budget-Friendly: Kale is a relatively inexpensive vegetable, making this recipe a great option for those on a budget.
Tips and Variations
Spice it Up: For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Add Some Protein: Boost the protein content by adding chickpeas, cannelini beans, or grilled chicken or fish.
Get Creative with the Flavor: Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or sherry vinegar. You could also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
Make it a Meal: Serve this kale as a main course with a side of quinoa or brown rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Leftovers are Great: This kale keeps well in the refrigerator for several days and is even better the next day. You can easily reheat it in a pan or microwave.
Serving Suggestions
As a side dish: This sauteed kale pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, fish, steak, or roasted vegetables.
As a main course: Serve it over quinoa, brown rice, or couscous for a complete and satisfying meal. You could also add lentils or beans for extra protein.
In a salad: Add some chopped sauteed kale to your favorite salad for an extra boost of flavor and nutrients.
In a pasta dish: Toss some sauteed kale into your favorite pasta dish for a delicious and healthy twist.
I hope you enjoy this simple yet flavorful sauteed kale recipe as much as I do! Let me know in the comments how you like it.
