Tuscan Kale With Sesame Oil Food

GARLICKY TUSCAN KALE

Steps:

• Take each leaf of kale and run a sharp knife down both sides of rib, starting at fat end and sliding the knife down. Repeat for the entire bunch and discard ribs. Then roughly cut the leaves into large pieces and place in a colander and run cold water over leaves. Do not shake out excess water, just leave the leaves in the colander in your sink.
• Heat a large sauté pan over medium high heat and add both oils.
• Add garlic and cook for one minute, stirring often.
• Place the kale into the hot pan with whatever water is still stuck to the leaves.
• Cook for one minute, flip and cook for one minute more.
• Flavor with a few drops of hot sauce. Salt and pepper to taste and serve.

CRISPY TUSCAN KALE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.
• Remove the tough lower stems of the kale. Toss the kale generously with olive oil, salt and crushed red pepper.
• Lay the dressed leaves in a single layer on a sheet tray (use more than one if you need to!) and place in the oven. Roast the kale or until the leaves are crispy, 30 to 35 minutes.
• Serve as a snack or side dish.

SESAME KALE SALAD

Steps:

• Whisk 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 4 teaspoons sesame oil, 3 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce, 2 teaspoons honey and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt in a large bowl. Chop 1 bunch kale, add to the bowl and toss to coat; let stand 10 minutes. Add 3/4 cup chopped roasted walnuts and 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds. Season with pepper.

EASY TUSCAN KALE

Steps:

• Wash and dry the kale leaves, then destem and roughly chop the kale.
• Smash and peel the garlic cloves.
• Add the olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Add the smashed garlic and kale and cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently until wilted and bright green.
• Remove from the heat and add the kosher salt and several grinds of fresh ground pepper. Discard the garlic cloves and serve immediately. (If desired, you can add lemon juice or Parmesan: but neither are necessary with the sweet flavor of Tuscan kale! You may want to consider them if using curly kale.)

TUSCAN KALE WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS AND RED-WINE VINEGAR

Steps:

• Combine oil, onion, garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large saute pan; cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until onion is lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook until onion is soft, about 10 minutes.
• Add vinegar to pan, and raise heat to medium-high. Add kale, 1/4 cup water, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring, until kale begins to soften, about 3 minutes. As the pan becomes dry, add another 1/4 cup water, and cook until the kale is tender, about 3 minutes more. Serve immediately.

TUSCAN KALE SALAD

Steps:

• Trim bottom 2 inches off kale stems and discard. Slice kale, including ribs, into 3/4-inch-wide ribbons. You should have 4 to 5 cups. Place kale in a large bowl.
• If using bread, toast it until golden on both sides. Tear it into small pieces and grind in a food processor until mixture forms coarse crumbs.
• Using a mortar and pestle, or with the back of a knife, pound garlic into a paste. Transfer garlic to a small bowl. Add 1/4 cup cheese, 3 tablespoons oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper flakes and black pepper, and whisk to combine. Pour dressing over kale and toss very well to thoroughly combine (dressing will be thick and need lots of tossing to coat leaves).
• Let salad sit for 5 minutes, then serve topped with bread crumbs, additional cheese and a drizzle of oil.