Smoky Creamed Kale Food

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.

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 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.

SMOKY BRAISED KALE WITH TOMATO

Steps:

• Place a large, heavy-bottomed, high-sided pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When it shimmers, add onions and garlic and cook until they soften and begin to turn translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
• Add tomato paste and smoked paprika, reduce heat to medium, and cook, stirring frequently, until the paste begins to caramelize, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then add stock and vinegar, and allow to come to a boil.
• Add half the kale, cover, and cook for a minute or two, until it wilts. Repeat with remaining kale. Stir to incorporate the onion mixture into the soft kale and simmer until tender, 20 to 30 minutes, partly covered. Season to taste with salt and pepper, drizzle with a little more vinegar, and serve.