Creamed Lacinato Kale Food

GARLICKY CREAMED KALE

Steps:

• Prepare the kale by removing the center stems and tearing the leaves into bite-size pieces. Set a large pot of water over high heat and bring to a boil. Season generously with salt. When it returns to a boil add the kale. Stir well so it cooks evenly. When it turns bright green and becomes tender, 10 to 12 minutes, remove and drain in a colander.
• To a high-sided saute pan over medium heat, add the butter and garlic. Stir in the cream with some salt and pepper. Set over high heat and bring to a simmer. Cook until the cream reduces by half, 6 to 7 minutes. Once reduced, add the kale, Parmesan, nutmeg and more salt and pepper and bring back to a simmer so the kale is heated through and the Parmesan has melted. Stir to coat everything evenly. Taste and season again if needed.

CREAMED KALE

Steps:

• Blanch the kale in lightly salted water until tender, rinse in ice water, drain and cut into 1/2-inch ribbons. In a large saute pan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the kale, cream and nutmeg. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 5 minutes, or until the cream has reduced and thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

GRILLED LACINATO KALE

Steps:

• Strip away and discard the stems of the kale. Tear the leaves into large bite-size pieces and toss them with the olive oil and a good pinch of salt.
• Cook the leaves briefly over a medium fire seasoned with chunks of maple or oak. They will begin to burn and sizzle almost immediately. This is a good thing. Resist the temptation to turn them; the burn is good; the burn is your friend. After 4 to 5 minutes, turn them once to give a slight char to the wilted leaves that have been on top. Cook for another minute or two, and then remove them from the grill. That's it. Serve immediately.