Bacon Wilted Kale with Apples: A Delicious and Nutritious Side Dish

Kale, often hailed as a superfood, can sometimes be a hard sell. Its robust, slightly bitter flavor can be off-putting to some. However, when paired with the salty, smoky goodness of bacon and the sweet, crispness of apples, kale transforms into a culinary delight. This Bacon Wilted Kale with Apples recipe is a simple yet sophisticated side dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering, and it’s sure to convert even the most ardent kale skeptics.

This recipe balances the earthy bitterness of kale with the richness of bacon and the sweetness of apples. A touch of vinegar brightens the flavors and adds a welcome tang. The result is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more.

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Flavor Contrast:** The combination of salty bacon, sweet apples, and slightly bitter kale creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile.
* **Textural Harmony:** The crisp bacon, tender kale, and crunchy apples provide a delightful textural contrast.
* **Nutrient-Rich:** Kale is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making this dish a healthy and delicious choice.
* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by adding other ingredients like nuts, dried cranberries, or a sprinkle of cheese.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Kale:** The star of the show! Use any type of kale you prefer, such as curly kale, lacinato kale (also known as dinosaur kale or Tuscan kale), or red kale. Remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. About 1 pound of kale is ideal.
* **Bacon:** Choose your favorite type of bacon. Thick-cut bacon will provide a meatier texture, while regular bacon will crisp up nicely. Aim for about 4-6 slices.
* **Apples:** Opt for a crisp, slightly tart apple like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith. These varieties will hold their shape well during cooking and provide a nice contrast to the other flavors. 1-2 medium apples are needed.
* **Onion:** A small yellow onion, diced, adds depth of flavor. You can substitute with shallots for a milder taste.
* **Garlic:** Minced garlic adds a pungent aroma and flavor. 2-3 cloves should do the trick.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** This vinegar provides a bright, tangy counterpoint to the richness of the bacon and the sweetness of the apples. You can substitute with white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar if needed. About 2 tablespoons are needed.
* **Olive Oil:** A drizzle of olive oil helps to cook the kale and other ingredients. Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Be mindful of the salt content of the bacon when seasoning.
* **Optional Ingredients:** Feel free to experiment with other ingredients like toasted pecans, dried cranberries, red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat), or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

## Equipment Needed

* **Large Skillet or Dutch Oven:** A large skillet or Dutch oven is ideal for cooking the kale and bacon. Make sure it has a lid to help the kale wilt properly.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For chopping the kale, apples, onion, and garlic.
* **Measuring Spoons and Cups:** For measuring the ingredients.
* **Spatula or Tongs:** For stirring and flipping the ingredients.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to making this delicious Bacon Wilted Kale with Apples:

**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**

* **Kale:** Wash the kale thoroughly and remove the tough stems. Chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped kale in a large bowl and set aside.
* **Bacon:** Cut the bacon into 1/2-inch pieces. This will help it cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
* **Apples:** Wash, core, and dice the apples into 1/2-inch pieces. Don’t peel the apples; the skin adds texture and nutrients.
* **Onion:** Dice the onion into small pieces.
* **Garlic:** Mince the garlic.

**Step 2: Cook the Bacon**

* Place the bacon pieces in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crisp and golden brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn the bacon.
* Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess grease. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet. Discard the rest or save it for another use.

**Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic**

* Add the diced onion to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

**Step 4: Wilt the Kale**

* Add the chopped kale to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Stir to combine, ensuring that the kale is coated with the bacon fat and aromatics.
* Pour in the apple cider vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the bacon is already salty, so start with a small amount of salt and adjust as needed.
* Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the kale is wilted and tender. Stir occasionally to ensure that the kale cooks evenly. If the kale starts to dry out, add a tablespoon or two of water to the skillet.

**Step 5: Add the Apples and Bacon**

* Remove the lid from the skillet and add the diced apples and cooked bacon to the kale. Stir to combine.
* Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the apples are slightly softened but still crisp. Avoid overcooking the apples, as they can become mushy.

**Step 6: Serve**

* Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the Bacon Wilted Kale with Apples to a serving dish.
* Serve immediately as a side dish. This dish pairs well with roasted chicken, pork chops, steak, or fish.

## Tips and Variations

* **Massage the Kale:** For a more tender kale, massage it with a tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt for a few minutes before cooking. This will help to break down the tough fibers.
* **Add a Touch of Sweetness:** If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey to the skillet along with the apple cider vinegar.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet along with the garlic for a touch of heat.
* **Add Nuts:** Toast some pecans or walnuts and sprinkle them over the finished dish for added crunch and flavor.
* **Use Different Vegetables:** Experiment with other vegetables like Brussels sprouts, spinach, or Swiss chard. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the bacon and use olive oil or vegetable broth to sauté the onion and garlic. Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
* **Add Dried Cranberries:** These add a chewy texture and a burst of sweetness.
* **Cheese Please:** A sprinkle of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or crumbled goat cheese can elevate the dish.
* **Lemon Zest:** Adding lemon zest brightens up the flavors even more.

## Serving Suggestions

Bacon Wilted Kale with Apples is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Roasted Chicken:** The savory kale complements the richness of roasted chicken perfectly.
* **Pork Chops:** The sweet and tangy flavors of the kale complement the savory pork chops.
* **Steak:** The hearty kale provides a nice contrast to the richness of steak.
* **Fish:** The light and flavorful kale complements delicate fish like salmon or cod.
* **Thanksgiving Dinner:** This dish is a healthy and delicious addition to your Thanksgiving feast.
* **Holiday Gatherings:** Impress your guests with this flavorful and festive side dish.

## Make-Ahead Tips

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare some of the ingredients ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights.

* **Chop the Kale:** You can chop the kale a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Dice the Apples and Onion:** You can dice the apples and onion a few hours in advance and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.
* **Cook the Bacon:** You can cook the bacon a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the skillet before adding it to the kale.

However, it’s best to assemble and cook the entire dish just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store any leftover Bacon Wilted Kale with Apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the kale in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the texture may be slightly softer.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on a recipe serving 4)

* Calories: Approximately 250-350
* Fat: 15-25g
* Saturated Fat: 5-8g
* Cholesterol: 30-50mg
* Sodium: 300-500mg (depending on the bacon)
* Carbohydrates: 15-25g
* Fiber: 5-8g
* Sugar: 8-12g
* Protein: 8-12g

**Note:** This is an estimate, and the actual nutritional content may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

## Conclusion

Bacon Wilted Kale with Apples is a delicious and nutritious side dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with flavor. So, the next time you’re looking for a healthy and satisfying side dish, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in this simple yet elegant dish! It’s a guaranteed way to make even the most reluctant kale eaters change their minds.

Bon appétit!