Best Creamed Lacinato Kale Recipes

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 KALE WITH CARAMELIZED SHALLOTS

Steps:

• Heat the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until soft. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, not allowing the mixture to obtain any color. Whisk in the warm milk and cook until thickened. Season with nutmeg and salt and pepper, to taste. Keep warm until ready to use.
• Meanwhile, bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the kale and cook until tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Drain in a colander and then return to pot. Add cream sauce and cook until flavors meld, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Plate creamed kale and then top with Caramelized Shallots.
• Melt the butter and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallots, season with salt and pepper, and cook until they begin to brown all over, about 10 minutes.

CREAMED KALE WITH PEARL ONIONS

Steps:

• Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil over high heat, add the pearl onions and cook 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, pat dry and set aside.
• Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat, stir in the flour, nutmeg and some salt and pepper and cook until the flour is well incorporated and the raw flavor cooks out, 3 to 4 minutes.
• Add the cream and chicken stock, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until thickened, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the pearl onions, then the kale, little by little, and cook until it wilts, about 5 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat, stir in the Parmesan, taste, and adjust seasonings. Serve hot.