SAUTéED KALE WITH ONION AND BACON

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Sautéed Kale with Onion and Bacon image

Gina: Some Southern greens benefit from long, slow cooking, but kale is best prepared as a speedy sauté. Shredding the kale allows it to cook even faster, keeping its bright color and abundant nutrients (calcium, vitamins A and C) intact. Adding bacon, onion, and the unexpected flavor of smoked Spanish paprika creates a spectacular side dish that just might steal the show from the main course. For a quick, satisfying dinner, you could also toss this sauté with whole-wheat pasta, and finish the dish with toasted pine nuts and grated Parmesan cheese.

Yield serves 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 1/2 pounds (about 4 bunches) kale, tough stems and center ribs cut off and discarded
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 strips thick-sliced bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 large onion, thinly sliced
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
Generous pinch crushed red-pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon smoked Spanish paprika
1 cup Chicken Stock (page 28) or water
2 teaspoons sherry-wine vinegar
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Stack a few kale leaves and roll them lengthwise into a cigar shape. Cut the leaves crosswise into 1/4 inch wide strips with a sharp knife. Repeat with the remaining kale leaves. (See note.)
  • Heat the olive oil in a wide 6 to 8 quart pot over moderate heat. Add the bacon, and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned but still soft, then use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Pour off and discard all but 3 tablespoons of oil and fat from the pot, and then add the onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes, and cook over low heat, stirring, until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the kale, bacon, and smoked paprika to the pot, and cook, turning with tongs, until the kale is wilted and bright green, about 1 minute. Add the stock or water and simmer, partially covered, until the leaves are just tender, 6 to 10 minutes. Add the vinegar, and toss to combine; taste for seasonings, and add salt, pepper, or more vinegar as desired.

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