Baby Kale Recipe with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
This baby kale recipe is for you dedicated kale lovers. It’s earthy, strong flavored, peppery and just so…. kale-like! With garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, the flavors of this veggie side dish will definitely stay with you for a while. In a good way!
I sometimes struggle with kale. It’s not the easiest vegetable to get creative with. At least not for me. The flavor is so specific and so strong that I often have a tough time pairing it with other ingredients. So instead of fighting it, I decided to go with it.
There is no mistaking the fact that you are eating kale with this baby kale recipe. It’s dominant and almost overwhelming. A perfect side dish for those dedicated to kale!
WHAT IS BABY KALE GOOD FOR?
Baby kale is a wonderful digestive aid. The water and fiber help kick your digestion into high gear!
IS IT OKAY TO EAT BABY KALE RAW?
Absolutely! In fact, baby kale is often more palatable for people than other types of kale. But it’s equally delicious cooked.
IS KALE A SUPERFOOD?
It absolutely is! As with most dark, leafy greens, kale has a hefty supply of nutrients. Enough to be considered a superfood!
WHAT DOES BABY KALE TASTE LIKE?
Baby kale is much milder in flavor than regular kale, so it’s often the more popular choice for those wanting to “like” kale. It tastes like kale, but also has a slightly peppery flavor. More so than regular kale. It’s often interchangeable with arugula because the flavors are somewhat similar.
CAN I SUBSTITUTE BABY KALE FOR KALE?
In theory, sure. But you will end up with a much stronger kale flavor that could be considered overpowering to some.
IS KALE OR SPINACH BETTER FOR YOU?
Kale and spinach are highly nutritious and associated with several benefits. While kale offers more than twice the amount of vitamin C as spinach, spinach provides more folate and vitamins A and K. Both are linked to improved heart health, increased weight loss, and protection against disease.
Healthline
HEALTH BENEFITS OF KALE:
We all know dark greens are good for us, but what are the specific benefits for our bodies? Kale contains:
- Tons of vitamin C!
- Tons of fiber!
- A whole bucket load of antioxidants!
- Lots and lots of vitamin K!
- 1 cup of kale has 3 grams of protein!
- Lots of folate!
- Plenty of vitamin A!
HOW TO MAKE KALE LESS BITTER:
Many folks don’t like kale because of its bitterness. But there are ways to prepare kale that will make the bitterness less noticeable.
- Combine it with something sweet. Bitterness is offset by sweetness.
- Cook it will. Cooking will reduce bitterness.
- Massaging your kale first, and then rinsing it can help a bit, though the effects won’t be significant.
- Combine with something creamy, such as avocado or real cream.
At the end of the day, the bitterness in kale simply must be “subdued” by other flavors. In this recipe, the cooking helps.
MORE BABY KALE RECIPES:
BABY KALE RECIPE WITH GARLIC AND RED PEPPER FLAKES
Baby Kale Recipe With Garlic and Crushed Red Peppers
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
- ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth – no sugar added, low sodium is best)
- 4 cups baby kale (tightly packed for measuring)
- 1 tsp. olive oil
- 2 tsp. garlic powder (or 6 medium cloves, minced)
- 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp. low sodium soy sauce
Instructions
- Sauté the garlic in the olive oil in a large pan for about 30 seconds over medium heat.
- Pour the chicken broth into the pan and add the kale, garlic powder, red pepper flakes and soy sauce.
- Cook until kale is wilted and cooked to your liking.
Notes
Nutrition
Recipe from the Gracious Pantry archives, originally posted 6/4/12.
I LOVE kale… Love that it’s good for me, that I can add it to smoothies, kale chips and sautéing it. Anxious to try this version! Sounds great.
Hope you enjoy it Kim!
I know it’s hard to believe but I had never eaten kale until a few months ago. I began seeing it everywhere! On food shows, in recipes in magazines, etc., so gave it a try and I love it! I use it instead of romaine or iceberg on a sandwich, have a kale salad (which many different add-ins) every day. I haven’t tried it sauted yet and this sounds like a good recipe to try. I know I’ll enjoy it, maybe just a little less pepper flakes (that’s just me). Thanks as always!
Cet – I hope you enjoy it!
Thanks, this is good. It satisfied my kale craving.
There is a lot of stuff, I would eat.
Lauraline – Fantastic! Enjoy!
Hi! Thanks for sharing this awesome recipe, can you also please tell that can I use coconut oil instead of olive oil and have the same health benefits.
Nina – You can use any oil you feel is healthiest for you. Coconut oil will change the flavor just slightly, but it should be tasty!
Thank you. I’m going to try this for dinner tonight. I’ll post how it goes.
Piro – I hope you enjoy it!