Lacinato Kale In Smoky Garlic Sauce Food

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.

CREAMED LACINATO KALE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large braiser over high heat. When the oil begins to smoke, add half the kale to the pan. Season with salt and cook, stirring, until the leaves take on a deep green hue and lose 50 to 75 percent of their volume, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the kale to a large bowl with the spinach. Repeat with the remaining oil and kale, adding it to the bowl as done.
• Return the braiser to high heat and add the cream. Simmer the cream until it reduces to about 1 3/4 cups, about 5 minutes. Add the cream to the greens and stir to combine. Add the Parmesan, Gruyere, Worcestershire, chile flakes, nutmeg, lemon zest and juice and salt to taste. Return the greens to the braiser and top with the panko and a drizzle of oil. Bake until warmed, 12 to 15 minutes.