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.
Photograph credit: Sauteed kale - Cambridge, MA by Daderot · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons
The Method for Sautéed Kale with Garlic
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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.
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Add the kale in handfuls, turning it as it wilts. Pour in the water, cover and cook for 4 minutes.
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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
- 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.
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.
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Written and tested by Turab
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