Quick & Easy Garlic Kale: A Simple and Nutritious Side Dish

Kale, often hailed as a superfood, is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, its slightly bitter taste can sometimes be a deterrent. This recipe for Easy Garlic Kale transforms this nutritional powerhouse into a delicious and palatable side dish that even kale skeptics will enjoy. It’s quick, simple, and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.

## Why You’ll Love This Easy Garlic Kale Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Nutritious:** Kale is loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants.
* **Flavorful:** The garlic and olive oil create a savory and satisfying flavor that complements the kale beautifully.
* **Versatile:** This dish can be served as a side dish, added to pasta, or used as a filling for tacos or omelets.
* **Customizable:** Easily adaptable to your taste preferences with different seasonings and additions.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **1 bunch of kale (about 1 pound):** Any type of kale will work, but curly kale, Tuscan kale (also known as lacinato or dinosaur kale), or baby kale are all excellent choices. Curly kale has a slightly more pronounced bitterness, while Tuscan kale is milder.
* **2-3 cloves of garlic:** Adjust the amount of garlic to your liking. More garlic will result in a more intense flavor.
* **2 tablespoons olive oil:** Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor. Extra virgin olive oil is ideal.
* **1/4 cup water or vegetable broth:** The water or broth helps to steam the kale and tenderize it.
* **Salt and pepper to taste:** Season generously to enhance the flavor of the kale.
* **Optional additions:** Red pepper flakes, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, or toasted pine nuts.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

**Step 1: Prepare the Kale**

The most important step in making delicious kale is to properly prepare it. Kale stems are tough and fibrous and should be removed.

1. **Wash the kale:** Rinse the kale thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pay close attention to the crevices in the leaves.
2. **Remove the stems:** There are several ways to remove the stems:
* **Method 1 (Cutting):** Lay a kale leaf flat on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut along both sides of the stem, removing the leafy part. Repeat for all the leaves.
* **Method 2 (Tearing):** Hold the base of the stem in one hand and use your other hand to tear the leafy part of the kale away from the stem. This method is faster, but it can be less precise.
* **Method 3 (Folding and Cutting):** Fold the kale leaf in half, with the stem running along the fold. Use a knife to cut the stem away from the leaf.
3. **Chop or tear the kale:** Chop the kale leaves into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer, you can tear the leaves into smaller pieces by hand. Tearing the leaves can sometimes result in a slightly more rustic texture.

**Step 2: Sauté the Garlic**

1. **Mince the garlic:** Finely mince the garlic cloves. You can use a garlic press, a knife, or a microplane grater.
2. **Heat the olive oil:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Make sure the pan is large enough to accommodate all the kale.
3. **Sauté the garlic:** Add the minced garlic to the hot olive oil and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. The garlic should be lightly golden and aromatic. Stir constantly to prevent burning.

**Step 3: Cook the Kale**

1. **Add the kale:** Add the chopped kale to the skillet with the garlic and olive oil. If you have a lot of kale, you may need to add it in batches, allowing each batch to wilt slightly before adding more.
2. **Add water or broth:** Pour the water or vegetable broth into the skillet. This will help to steam the kale and make it more tender.
3. **Season with salt and pepper:** Season the kale with salt and pepper to taste. Be generous with the seasoning, as kale can be bland on its own. You can always add more seasoning later if needed.
4. **Cook the kale:** Cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the kale is tender and wilted. Stir occasionally to ensure that the kale cooks evenly. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of kale you are using and how tender you prefer it. If you prefer your kale to be more al dente, cook it for a shorter amount of time.
5. **Check for doneness:** To check if the kale is done, taste a leaf. It should be tender and slightly chewy, but not tough or bitter. If the kale is still too tough, continue cooking it for a few more minutes, adding more water or broth if necessary.

**Step 4: Serve**

1. **Remove from heat:** Once the kale is cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat.
2. **Add optional toppings:** If desired, add any optional toppings, such as red pepper flakes, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, or toasted pine nuts. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor and adds a touch of acidity. Red pepper flakes add a hint of spice. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty and savory element. Balsamic vinegar adds a sweet and tangy flavor. Toasted pine nuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
3. **Serve immediately:** Serve the Easy Garlic Kale immediately as a side dish. It pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, steak, or tofu. It can also be added to pasta, used as a filling for tacos or omelets, or served as a topping for pizza.

## Tips for Making the Best Garlic Kale

* **Use fresh kale:** Fresh kale will have the best flavor and texture. Look for kale that is vibrant green and has firm, crisp leaves. Avoid kale that is wilted, yellowed, or has brown spots.
* **Remove the stems:** Kale stems are tough and fibrous, so it’s important to remove them before cooking. Leaving the stems on will result in a less pleasant texture.
* **Don’t overcook the garlic:** Burnt garlic is bitter and will ruin the flavor of the dish. Sauté the garlic over medium heat and watch it carefully.
* **Don’t overcrowd the pan:** If you have a lot of kale, cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and cause the kale to steam instead of sauté, resulting in a less desirable texture.
* **Season generously:** Kale can be bland on its own, so it’s important to season it generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other seasonings as well.
* **Add a touch of acidity:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of balsamic vinegar will brighten the flavor of the kale and add a touch of acidity.
* **Adjust the cooking time to your liking:** The cooking time will vary depending on the type of kale you are using and how tender you prefer it. Taste the kale as it cooks and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Don’t be afraid to experiment:** This recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to create your own unique version of garlic kale.

## Variations and Additions

* **Spicy Garlic Kale:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the olive oil when sautéing the garlic for a spicy kick.
* **Lemon Garlic Kale:** Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the kale after it’s cooked for a bright and tangy flavor.
* **Cheesy Garlic Kale:** Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the kale after it’s cooked for a salty and savory flavor.
* **Garlic Kale with Bacon:** Cook crumbled bacon in the skillet before adding the garlic for a smoky and savory flavor.
* **Garlic Kale with Mushrooms:** Sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet with the garlic for an earthy and flavorful addition.
* **Garlic Kale with Pine Nuts:** Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet until golden brown and then sprinkle them over the kale for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
* **Garlic Kale with Cherry Tomatoes:** Halve cherry tomatoes and add them to the skillet with the kale during the last few minutes of cooking for a burst of sweetness and acidity.
* **Garlic Kale with Sausage:** Brown Italian sausage in the skillet before adding the garlic for a hearty and flavorful meal.
* **Garlic Kale with White Beans:** Add canned white beans to the skillet with the kale for a protein-rich and satisfying dish.

## Serving Suggestions

This Easy Garlic Kale is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Grilled Chicken:** Serve the garlic kale alongside grilled chicken breasts or thighs for a healthy and delicious meal.
* **Baked Salmon:** Pair the garlic kale with baked salmon fillets for a nutrient-rich and flavorful dinner.
* **Steak:** Serve the garlic kale with steak for a classic and satisfying meal.
* **Pasta:** Toss the garlic kale with cooked pasta for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
* **Tacos:** Use the garlic kale as a filling for tacos for a healthy and flavorful twist.
* **Omelets:** Add the garlic kale to omelets for a nutritious and delicious breakfast or brunch.
* **Pizza:** Use the garlic kale as a topping for pizza for a unique and flavorful combination.

## How to Store Leftovers

Leftover Easy Garlic Kale can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the kale in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You can also add the leftover kale to soups, stews, or salads.

## Conclusion

This Easy Garlic Kale recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy the many health benefits of kale. It’s quick to make, requires minimal ingredients, and can be easily customized to your taste preferences. Whether you’re a kale lover or a skeptic, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

## Recipe Card

**Easy Garlic Kale**

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 5 minutes
**Cook time:** 10 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 bunch of kale (about 1 pound), any type
* 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional additions: Red pepper flakes, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, toasted pine nuts

**Instructions:**

1. Wash the kale thoroughly and remove the stems. Chop or tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped kale to the skillet. Pour in the water or vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the kale is tender and wilted, stirring occasionally.
5. Remove from heat and add any optional toppings, such as red pepper flakes, lemon juice, or grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Serve immediately as a side dish or add to other dishes.

Enjoy!