Steaming Kale: A Healthy, Quick Cooking Method

Steaming kale is a great way to prepare this leafy green. This cooking method introduces moisture into the fibrous veggie, transforming it into a tender delight. To infuse flavour, toss in garlic for umami bites, red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, and balsamic vinegar for a touch of sweetness. This recipe takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and will upgrade any meal.

Prepping the kale

The first step to cooking kale in a steamer is to prep the kale. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Wash the kale

Give the kale a good rinse with water to remove any dirt. You can also use a salad spinner to wash the kale.

Step 2: Remove the ribs and stalks (optional)

Some cooks prefer to remove the thick ribs and stalks of the kale, while others leave them intact. If you decide to remove them, you can either cut them with a knife or hold the base of the kale with one hand and pull the stems off.

Step 3: Chop the kale

Once the kale is washed and the ribs and stalks are removed, it's time to chop the leaves. You can chop them finely or into 1-inch squares, depending on your preference. You can use a knife or simply rip the leaves with your hands.

Step 4: Mince a clove of garlic (optional)

While the water in your steamer is boiling, you can prepare a clove of garlic. Cut the garlic into small pieces or mince it. You can also purchase a jar of minced garlic to save time.

Step 5: Place the kale and garlic in the steamer

Place the shredded kale and garlic (if using) into the steamer basket. Using a steamer will prevent the kale from becoming too soggy.

Sauteing the kale

Sautéing the kale

Sautéing is a great way to cook kale, and it can be done in a few different ways. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to sauté kale:

• Wash the kale and remove the thick ribs and stems. You can do this by holding the base of the kale and pulling the stems off, or by using a sharp knife to slice the leaves away from the stem.
• Chop the kale leaves into small pieces. Chewing small pieces of kale is much easier than eating an entire steamed leaf.
• Heat some olive oil in a pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Add the kale to the pan and sauté until it is wilted. This should only take a couple of minutes.
• Add some minced or chopped garlic to the pan. You can also add other aromatics like onion or shallot at this stage if you like. Cook for another minute or so.
• (Optional) Add some liquid to the pan to create steam and help the kale cook through. You can use water, chicken broth, or vegetable broth. You could also add some lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavour.
• Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Cook the kale until it is tender, which should take around 15-20 minutes.
• (Optional) Add some seasonings to the kale to enhance the flavour. This could include salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, nutmeg, or any other spices you like. You could also add some Parmesan cheese or sesame seeds for extra flavour and texture.
• Serve the kale as a side dish or add it to another recipe, such as soup, pasta, or eggs.

Sautéing is a quick and easy way to cook kale, and it can be customised with different ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste. Give it a try the next time you're looking for a tasty and nutritious side dish!

Simmering the kale

Now that you've sautéed the kale and garlic, it's time to simmer the kale. Stir in the water, salt and red pepper flakes. Then, bring the mixture to a boil. After it boils, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer. For how long? Well, that depends on the level of tenderness you want your kale to have. It could be anywhere from 20 to 25 minutes. If you're happy with the texture, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the balsamic vinegar.

If you're using a microwave, place your shredded kale in a microwave-safe bowl with a teaspoon of water. Cover the bowl with a paper towel or some microwave-safe plastic wrap with a hole poked in the top. Then, put it in the microwave for 1 minute per cup of kale.

If you don't have a steamer, don't worry! Simply add your kale, seasonings, and 1/2 cup of water to a pot. Cover the pot and gently swish everything around. Add more water as needed until your kale is as tender as you like it.

Adding flavour

There are many ways to add flavour to steamed kale. Here are some ideas:

• Garlic – You can sauté the kale with garlic, or add it to the steamer.
• Red pepper flakes – Adding red pepper flakes will give the kale a bit of heat.
• Balsamic vinegar – A touch of balsamic vinegar will add some sweetness to the dish.
• Lemon – Squeezing some lemon juice over the steamed kale will add a burst of freshness. You could also add lemon zest for extra zing.
• Salt – Seasoning the kale with salt will enhance its natural flavour.
• Olive oil – Drizzling some olive oil over the kale will make it nice and juicy.
• Onions – Try caramelising some onions and mixing them into the steamed kale for a sweet and savoury flavour.
• Bacon – Crumbling some crispy bacon over the kale will add a smoky flavour.
• Sesame seeds – Toasting some sesame seeds and sprinkling them on top of the steamed kale will add a subtle nutty taste.
• Spices and herbs – You can experiment with different spices and herbs to find your favourite flavour combination. Some options include cracked black pepper, chilli flakes, nutmeg, paprika, and white pepper.

Storing steamed kale

If you wish to store steamed kale for longer, you can freeze it. Place the steamed kale in an airtight container and store it in the freezer, where it will stay fresh for up to two months.

It is important to note that the lifespan of kale depends on its initial freshness. Therefore, it is best to select the freshest bunch of kale available when purchasing.

Frequently asked questions