Ah, lacinato kale, that dark, bumpy, leafy green which might have caught your eye in the grocery store, making you wonder, “What on Earth do I do with this?” Well, wonder no more! I’m here to guide you through an easy, delicious lacinato kale recipe that will transform your meal times. Whether you’re a kale skeptic or a die-hard fan, this recipe is about to make you fall in love with lacinato kale all over again. And yes, I’m going to repeat “lacinato kale recipe” just enough times to make sure you dream about it tonight, but not too much to make you run away screaming.
Dive Into the World of Lacinato Kale
First things first, let’s talk about why lacinato kale deserves a spot on your plate. Lacinato kale, also known as Tuscan kale, dinosaur kale, or cavolo nero, is a variety of kale with a long tradition in Italian cuisine. It’s known for its dark blue-green leaves with a slightly wrinkled, almost dinosaur-skin texture. Not only is it packed with vitamins A, C, and K, but it also adds a delightful, earthy flavor to dishes that can make even the most mundane meal feel like a gourmet experience.
But how do you turn this prehistoric-looking leaf into something palatable? Fear not! Our lacinato kale recipe is here to save the day.
Lacinato Kale Recipe Overview
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick overview of what to expect from this lacinato kale adventure:
| Course | Cuisine | Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Calories | Total Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Side | Italian | 10 mins | 15 mins | 25 mins | 150 kcal | 4 |
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Salad spinner or paper towels
Now, let’s get to the fun part!
Ingredients for Your Lacinato Kale Recipe
Ensuring you have the right ingredients is crucial for making your lacinato kale dish a success. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lacinato kale | 1 large bunch |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic, thinly sliced | 3 cloves |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
| Lemon, juiced | 1 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Lacinato Kale
First, take your lacinato kale and give it a good rinse under cold water. Kale tends to hide dirt and grit in its crevices, so don’t skimp on this step. After rinsing, remove the tough stems by slicing along each side of the stem with a knife. Chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. If you’re feeling fancy, you can give the kale a spin in a salad spinner to dry it off, or just pat it dry with some paper towels.
2. Heat the Oil
Place your large skillet on the stove and turn the heat up to medium. Add the olive oil and wait for it to shimmer. This is the perfect moment to pretend you’re hosting your cooking show, so feel free to narrate what you’re doing to an imaginary audience.
3. Sauté the Garlic
Add the thinly sliced garlic to the skillet. Make sure to stir the garlic often so it doesn’t burn. Once it starts to turn golden and fragrant, which should take about 1-2 minutes, you’re on the right track.
4. Add the Lacinato Kale
Now, introduce your chopped lacinato kale to the skillet. You might think there’s too much kale, but it will cook down, I promise. Stir the kale for about 5 minutes until it starts to wilt and become tender. If you’re feeling dramatic, give the skillet a good toss. Just make sure your audience (real or imaginary) gets a good view.
5. Season
Sprinkle the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper over the kale. Continue to cook for another minute or two. This is where the magic happens, and your kitchen starts smelling like a fancy Italian restaurant.
6. The Final Touch
Remove the skillet from the heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the kale. Give it one last stir to make sure the lemon juice is evenly distributed.
Serving Suggestions
This lacinato kale recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or even toss it into a pasta dish for an extra boost of greens. The acidity from the lemon juice and the heat from the red pepper flakes make it a versatile side that can liven up any meal.
Conclusion
And there you have it, a simple yet delicious lacinato kale recipe that will turn even the most skeptical eaters into kale aficionados. Not only is this dish packed with nutrients, but it’s also incredibly flavorful and easy to prepare. So next time you find yourself staring down a bunch of lacinato kale in the grocery store, you’ll know exactly what to do with it. Remember, cooking is an adventure, and lacinato kale is your ticket to flavor town. Now go forth and kale!
FAQs about Lacinato Kale Recipe
- What makes lacinato kale different from other types of kale?
- Lacinato kale has a unique texture and a slightly sweeter, more delicate flavor compared to other varieties of kale. Its leaves are darker and not as curly, which makes it easier to clean and prepare.
- Can I use another type of kale for this recipe?
- Absolutely! While lacinato kale is recommended for its unique texture and flavor, curly kale or red kale can also be used in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as different types of kale may cook at different rates.
- How do I store leftover lacinato kale?
- Leftover cooked lacinato kale can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in a skillet or in the microwave before serving.
- Is lacinato kale good for you?
- Yes, lacinato kale is incredibly nutritious. It’s high in vitamins A, C, and K, and is a good source of minerals like calcium and iron. Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants and fiber.
- Can I make this recipe vegan?
- This recipe is already vegan! Just ensure that all your ingredients, especially the olive oil, are suitable for a vegan diet.
- What if I don’t like spicy food?
- If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can easily adjust the heat level by reducing or omitting the red pepper flakes. The recipe will still be delicious without them.
- Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
- Yes, feel free to get creative and add other vegetables to the mix. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions would make great additions. Just be mindful of the cooking times for different vegetables.
- What’s the best way to serve this lacinato kale dish?
- This lacinato kale recipe is incredibly versatile. It can be served as a side dish with meat or fish, tossed into pasta, or even used as a topping for pizza. The possibilities are endless!
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Lacinato Kale Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large bunch Lacinato kale
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 Lemon juiced
Instructions
Prepare the Lacinato Kale
- First, take your lacinato kale and give it a good rinse under cold water. Kale tends to hide dirt and grit in its crevices, so don’t skimp on this step. After rinsing, remove the tough stems by slicing along each side of the stem with a knife. Chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. If you’re feeling fancy, you can give the kale a spin in a salad spinner to dry it off, or just pat it dry with some paper towels.
Heat the Oil
- Place your large skillet on the stove and turn the heat up to medium. Add the olive oil and wait for it to shimmer. This is the perfect moment to pretend you’re hosting your cooking show, so feel free to narrate what you’re doing to an imaginary audience.
Sauté the Garlic
- Add the thinly sliced garlic to the skillet. Make sure to stir the garlic often so it doesn’t burn. Once it starts to turn golden and fragrant, which should take about 1-2 minutes, you’re on the right track.
Add the Lacinato Kale
- Now, introduce your chopped lacinato kale to the skillet. You might think there’s too much kale, but it will cook down, I promise. Stir the kale for about 5 minutes until it starts to wilt and become tender. If you’re feeling dramatic, give the skillet a good toss. Just make sure your audience (real or imaginary) gets a good view.
Season
- Sprinkle the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper over the kale. Continue to cook for another minute or two. This is where the magic happens, and your kitchen starts smelling like a fancy Italian restaurant.
The Final Touch
- Remove the skillet from the heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the kale. Give it one last stir to make sure the lemon juice is evenly distributed.
