American · Healthy

Sautéed Kale with Garlic

Kale leaves wilted in olive oil with sliced garlic and a pinch of chilli, finished with lemon. Four servings in 13 minutes.

Not yet ratedThis recipe has no ratings yet 13 min total Serves 4 servings Easy
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Sautéed Kale with Garlic, a healthy American recipe — sauteed kale with garlic

Photograph credit: Sauteed kale - Cambridge, MA by Daderot · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

The Method for Sautéed Kale with Garlic

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  1. Heat the oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and chilli flakes and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.

  2. Add the kale in handfuls, turning it as it wilts. Pour in the water, cover and cook for 4 minutes.

  3. Uncover and cook for 3 minutes more, until the water has gone and the kale is tender. Season with the salt and lemon juice.

Things to Watch For

  1. Wash and tear the kale, then leave it a little damp; the clinging water helps it steam.
  2. If the kale is still tough, add another splash of water, cover and cook for 2 minutes more.
  3. Slice the garlic rather than mincing it, since it burns less easily.

Changing the Recipe

  • An eighth of a teaspoon of garlic powder per clove is the usual stand-in when you are out of fresh garlic — it will not caramelise the same way, but it carries the flavour.

A Little Background

How do you stop sautéed kale turning tough and bitter? Strip the stems, give it a splash of water and a lid, and do not overcook it. Steam does the softening. The leaves turn tender in a few minutes, and a short cook keeps the flavour sweet and earthy rather than harsh.

Garlic goes in first, sliced thin, for 30 seconds only; brown garlic turns bitter. Add the kale in handfuls and let each batch wilt before the next, so the pan never overflows. Go in handfuls. Cover for 4 minutes, then uncover to cook off the water. Lemon at the end lifts the flavour and softens any bitterness.

Curly and lacinato kale both work; lacinato is flatter and slightly milder. Either kind of kale works. Serve as a side for eggs, fish or chicken, or stir into soups and grain bowls. The kale keeps for 3 days in the fridge.

On the Table Alongside

Fried or poached eggs · Grilled fish · A bowl of beans

Leftovers

Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently or add to soups.

Questions People Ask

How long does Sautéed Kale with Garlic take to make?

About 13 minutes in total — 5 minutes of preparation and 8 minutes of cooking. The recipe serves 4.

What are the key tips for making Sautéed Kale with Garlic?

Wash and tear the kale, then leave it a little damp; the clinging water helps it steam. If the kale is still tough, add another splash of water, cover and cook for 2 minutes more. Slice the garlic rather than mincing it, since it burns less easily.

What should I serve with Sautéed Kale with Garlic?

Fried or poached eggs; Grilled fish; A bowl of beans.

How should Sautéed Kale with Garlic be stored?

Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently or add to soups.

Is Sautéed Kale with Garlic suitable for a special diet?

This recipe is vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, weight-loss friendly, low-carb, keto and no added sugar. Those labels are checked against the ingredient list, so a dish is only marked when nothing in it contradicts the claim.

How many calories are in Sautéed Kale with Garlic?

About 80 kcal per serving, with 3 g protein, 8 g carbohydrate and 4 g fat. The figures are calculated from the ingredient list and are an estimate.

Nutrition per Serving

Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.

80Calories
3gProtein
8gCarbs
4gFat
3gFibre
2gSugar
180mgSodium

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Written and tested by Turab

One person, one kitchen — no test kitchen, no team. How every recipe on this site is checked before it goes up.