Best Way To Make Kale

A white bowl filled with sautéed kale and sliced garlic, placed on a plate on a rustic wooden surface.

Sautéed kale with balsamic and garlic turns simple greens into a flavorful, tender side dish. The balsamic adds sweetness while the garlic gives it a rich, savory touch that makes kale taste incredible.

Course Side Dish, Sides

Cuisine American, International

Keyword clove, cook kale, crispy, garlic cloves, kale, kale chips, kale leaves, kale recipe, kale salad, leafy green, saute, sautéed, side dish, skillet, teaspoon, wilt

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Servings Servings

Calories 134kcal

Author Zuzana Paar

Equipment

1 Wooden Spatula
1 Cooking Pot

Ingredients

1 ½ Pounds Kale chopped roughly, stems taken out
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
½ Cup Broth or Water
Salt
Ground Pepper
Red Pepper Flakes optional
2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
2 Pieces Garlic Cloves thinly sliced

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Drizzle olive oil into a skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, a sign it’s hot enough to start cooking.
Toast red pepper flakes for a few seconds until fragrant to add a gentle heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté briefly, stirring to keep it from burning while it flavors the oil.
Toss in kale with a splash of broth, cover, and steam for 5 minutes. Uncover, season, and finish with balsamic for a tangy touch.

Notes

Massage your kale: Rubbing kale leaves with a little olive oil and salt softens the tough texture. This also helps the leaves absorb flavors better when cooked or used in salads.
Add aromatics early: Sauté garlic, onions, or shallots before adding kale to the pan. This infuses the greens with a deeper, richer flavor that makes every bite tasty.
Use a splash of acid: A squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of vinegar brightens the flavor of cooked kale. It balances the earthiness and makes the dish more refreshing.
Finish with a crunchy topping: Sprinkle toasted nuts, seeds, or crispy breadcrumbs on top before serving. The crunch adds texture and makes the kale dish more exciting and satisfying.

Nutrition