Braised Tuscan Kale with Pancetta and Caramelized Onions
Verbiak, who learned to make charcuterie at L&M's Kitchen and Salumeria, in Oxford, Mississippi, pairs this rich side dish with braised veal cheeks or rabbit. It would also be good with chicken or fish.
Verbiak, who learned to make charcuterie at L&M's Kitchen and Salumeria, in Oxford, Mississippi, pairs this rich side dish with braised veal cheeks or rabbit. It would also be good with chicken or fish.
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 1/4 pound tuscan kale (3 bunches; also called cavolo nero, lacinato kale, or dinosaur kale), stems and center ribs discarded
- 1/2 pound pancetta, cut into 1/4-inch dice (1 3/4 cups)
- 1 turkish or 1/2 california bay leaf
- 2 fresh flat-leaf parsley sprigs
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 1 whole head of garlic, halved horizontally
- 3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 3 to 4 cups unsalted chicken stock
- parchment paper; kitchen string
- Carbohydrate 28 g(9%)
- Cholesterol 60 mg(20%)
- Fat 34 g(53%)
- Fiber 7 g(29%)
- Protein 17 g(34%)
- Saturated Fat 14 g(68%)
- Sodium 520 mg(22%)
- Calories 467
Step-by-step
- Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cut out a round of parchment paper to fit just inside a 5- to 6-quart heavy ovenproof pot, then set round aside.
- Blanch kale in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water in 2 batches, 2 minutes per batch, transferring with tongs to a colander as blanched, then drain well.
- Warm oil in 5- to 6-quart pot over moderate heat, then add pancetta and cook, stirring frequently, until crisp, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer pancetta with a slotted spoon to a plate and reserve, discarding all but 1/4 cup of fat in pot (if necessary).
- Tie thyme, bay leaf, and parsley together with kitchen string to make a bouquet garni and add to pot along with onions and garlic. Cook over moderate heat, stirring frequently, until onions are golden brown, about 20 minutes.
- Return pancetta to pot then add butter and heat, stirring occasionally, until melted.
- Stir in kale and add enough stock to cover three fourths of kale. Increase heat to high and bring to a simmer.
- Cover kale directly with parchment round, then transfer pot to oven and braise, stirring once or twice, until kale is very tender, about 45 minutes.
- Transfer pot to stovetop and discard parchment, then boil mixture, stirring occasionally, until almost all of liquid is evaporated but kale is still moist, about 35 minutes.
- Discard bouquet garni and garlic and season kale with salt and pepper.
My Tuscan Kale Adventure: A Simple Recipe for Extraordinary Flavor
As a busy professional woman, juggling work, family, and a social life, I often find myself searching for recipes that are both delicious and easy to prepare. This braised Tuscan kale with pancetta and caramelized onions fits the bill perfectly. It's a dish that elevates simple ingredients into something truly special, and the best part? It’s surprisingly quick and straightforward to make.
I discovered this recipe while browsing a collection of Italian-inspired dishes, and the rich, earthy flavors immediately captivated me. The combination of the slightly bitter kale, the salty pancetta, and the sweet caramelized onions creates a symphony of taste that’s both comforting and sophisticated. It's the kind of dish that can easily transition from a weeknight dinner to a more elegant meal for guests, making it a versatile addition to my culinary repertoire.
What I love most about this recipe is its adaptability. While the original recipe suggests serving it with braised veal cheeks or rabbit, I've found it pairs beautifully with a variety of proteins. I've served it alongside grilled chicken, pan-seared salmon, and even a simple pork chop, and each time it's been a resounding success. The richness of the kale and pancetta complements the various proteins wonderfully, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
The process of making this dish is incredibly satisfying. The initial caramelization of the onions is a meditative process, requiring only gentle stirring and patience. Watching the onions transform from translucent to a deep golden brown is a rewarding experience in itself. The aroma that fills the kitchen during this phase is enough to make your mouth water! The subsequent braising process is equally enjoyable, allowing the kale to soften and absorb the flavors of the pancetta, onions, and aromatics.
One of the key elements of this recipe is the use of Tuscan kale, also known as lacinato kale or dinosaur kale. Its slightly peppery and slightly bitter taste lends itself beautifully to the rich, savory flavors of the pancetta and onions. The texture, after braising, is incredibly tender and melts in your mouth, a far cry from the sometimes tough texture of other kale varieties.
The preparation itself is relatively straightforward, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The blanching of the kale is a quick step that helps to soften it and remove some of the bitterness. The subsequent braising in the oven allows for hands-off cooking time, freeing you up to attend to other tasks while the delicious aromas permeate your home. The final simmering on the stovetop allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a dish that's bursting with complexity and depth.
Beyond its ease of preparation and adaptability, this Tuscan kale dish is incredibly nutritious. Kale is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, providing a healthy and delicious addition to any meal. The pancetta, while adding richness and flavor, is used in moderation, balancing indulgence with nutritional awareness. This is a dish I can feel good about serving my family, knowing that it's both satisfying and wholesome.
In conclusion, this braised Tuscan kale recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. Its ease of preparation, versatility, and exceptional flavor make it a winner in my book. It’s a dish that I can rely on for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. It's a culinary adventure that's both simple and extraordinary, a testament to the magic that can occur when humble ingredients are treated with care and attention.
So, the next time you're looking for a flavorful and satisfying side dish, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
