How to Cook Lacinato Kale

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Lacinato kale, also known as dinosaur kale or Tuscan kale, is a popular leafy green vegetable that is packed with nutrients. Its dark, bumpy leaves have a unique taste and texture, making it a versatile ingredient in various dishes. If you’re wondering how to cook lacinato kale, you’re in the right place!

Before you start cooking lacinato kale, it’s important to properly clean and prepare the leaves. Start by rinsing them under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.

To sauté lacinato kale, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant. Next, add the kale leaves and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender.

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Preparing lacinato kale for cooking

Lacinato kale, also known as Tuscan kale or dinosaur kale, is a popular leafy green vegetable that is packed with nutrients and flavor. Before you start cooking with lacinato kale, it’s important to properly prepare and clean the leaves to ensure a delicious and healthy dish.

1. Cleaning lacinato kale

Start by rinsing the lacinato kale leaves under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Gently pat them dry with a kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.

2. Removing the tough stems

Lacinato kale has tough stems that can be quite fibrous and chewy. To remove the stems, hold the leaf by its stem and run a sharp knife along both sides of the stem, separating it from the leaf. Discard the stems or save them for use in vegetable broth.

Alternatively, you can use your hands to strip the leafy part of the kale away from the stem.

Once you have removed the stems, you can tear or chop the kale leaves into smaller, bite-sized pieces.

3. Massaging the kale

Lacinato kale leaves can be quite tough and bitter, but massaging them can help to tenderize the leaves and reduce their bitterness. Place the chopped kale leaves in a large bowl and drizzle them with a small amount of olive oil or lemon juice.

Using clean hands, gently massage the leaves for a few minutes until they become softer and darker in color. This process helps to break down the tough fibers and makes the kale more palatable.

4. Optional blanching

If you prefer a softer texture, you can blanch the kale before using it in your recipe. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the kale leaves. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.

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Drain the blanched kale leaves and squeeze out any excess moisture before using them in your dish.

5. Using prepared lacinato kale

Once your lacinato kale is cleaned, stemmed, and massaged, it is ready to be used in a variety of delicious recipes. Try adding it to salads, sautéing it with garlic and olive oil, or using it in soups and stews.

Now that you know how to prepare lacinato kale for cooking, you can enjoy this nutritious and versatile vegetable in your favorite dishes.

Removing the stems

Lacinato kale has tough, fibrous stems that can be unpleasant to eat, so it’s important to remove them before cooking. Here’s how:

  1. Hold the end of the kale stem with one hand.
  2. Use your other hand to grab the base of the leafy part of the kale.
  3. With a firm grip, pull your hand as you slide it up the stem.
  4. Repeat this process with each kale leaf until all the stems are removed.

If you prefer, you can use a knife to cut the stems out. Simply fold the kale leaf in half lengthwise, hold the stem, and make a cut along the side of the stem to remove it.

Washing the leaves

Lacinato kale leaves should be thoroughly washed before cooking to remove any dirt or debris that may be present. This ensures that your dish is clean and safe to eat.

To wash the leaves:

  1. Fill a large bowl or sink with cool water.
  2. Remove the leaves from the stems by holding the stem with one hand and pulling the leaf away with the other hand. Discard the stems or save them for another use.
  3. Place the leaves in the water-filled bowl or sink.
  4. Swish the leaves around gently with your hands to loosen any dirt or debris.
  5. Let the leaves sit in the water for a minute or two to allow any dirt to fall to the bottom.
  6. Remove the leaves from the water and rinse them under running water.
  7. Pat the leaves dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.

Now that your lacinato kale leaves are clean and ready to be cooked, you can proceed with your chosen recipe.

Cooking options for lacinato kale

There are various cooking options for lacinato kale, also known as Tuscan kale or dinosaur kale. This hearty and nutritious leafy green can be prepared in different ways to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

1. Sautéed lacinato kale: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant. Add chopped lacinato kale and cook for about 5 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve as a side dish or mix it with pasta for a simple and healthy meal.

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2. Massaged lacinato kale salad: Remove the tough stems from the kale leaves and tear them into bite-sized pieces. Place the kale in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Massage the kale leaves with your hands for a few minutes until they become tender and darker in color. Add your favorite salad ingredients like cherry tomatoes, avocado, and toasted nuts. Toss it all together and enjoy a refreshing salad.

3. Steamed lacinato kale: Fill a pot with a few inches of water and bring it to a boil. Place a steamer basket in the pot and add the kale leaves. Cover the pot and steam for about 5 minutes until the kale is tender. Remove from heat and season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.

4. Lacinato kale chips: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the stems and tear the kale leaves into chip-sized pieces. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until the edges are crisp. Let them cool for a few minutes before enjoying this crunchy and healthy snack.

5. Lacinato kale soup: Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened. Add vegetable broth and chopped lacinato kale. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the kale is tender. Season with herbs and spices like thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Serve hot as a comforting and nutritious soup.

Sautéing lacinato kale

Sautéing lacinato kale is a delicious way to enjoy this nutritious leafy green. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Wash the kale leaves and remove the tough stems.
  2. Chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a large pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
  4. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
  5. Add the chopped kale to the pan and toss to coat it with the oil and garlic.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Cover the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, until the kale has softened.
  8. Uncover the pan and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for another 3-4 minutes, until the kale is tender and slightly wilted.
  9. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Sautéed lacinato kale makes a delicious side dish or can be used as a topping for pizzas, pasta, or sandwiches. Enjoy!

Steaming lacinato kale

To steam lacinato kale, you will need:

Ingredients: Tools:
– Lacinato kale leaves – Steamer basket
– Water – Pot with lid
– Salt (optional)

Follow these steps to steam lacinato kale:

  1. First, wash the lacinato kale leaves under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
  2. Next, remove the tough stems from the kale leaves. You can do this by holding the stem at the base of the leaf with one hand and sliding your other hand along the stem, pulling the leaves off.
  3. Fill a pot with about an inch of water and bring it to a boil.
  4. Place the steamer basket in the pot, making sure it is sitting above the water.
  5. Add the kale leaves to the steamer basket, making sure they are not crowded.
  6. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low.
  7. Steam the kale leaves for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender.
  8. Once the kale is steamed, remove it from the pot and transfer it to a serving dish. Sprinkle with salt, if desired.
  9. Your steamed lacinato kale is now ready to be enjoyed as a side dish or added to your favorite recipes!
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Steaming lacinato kale is a simple and healthy cooking method that helps to preserve the nutrients and flavor of the kale leaves. Give it a try and incorporate this nutritious green into your meals!

FAQ

What is lacinato kale?

Lacinato kale, also known as Tuscan kale or dinosaur kale, is a variety of kale with long, dark green leaves that have a bumpy texture. It has a slightly sweeter and more delicate flavor compared to other varieties of kale.

How do I prepare lacinato kale?

To prepare lacinato kale, start by rinsing the leaves under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, remove the tough center stalks from the leaves and chop them into desired size. You can also tear the leaves into smaller pieces if you prefer. Finally, the kale is ready to be cooked or added to salads or other dishes.

What are some popular ways to cook lacinato kale?

There are several popular ways to cook lacinato kale. One common method is to sauté it in olive oil with some garlic and red pepper flakes for added flavor. You can also steam lacinato kale or blanch it in boiling water before using it in recipes. Another option is to roast the kale in the oven with some olive oil and salt until it becomes crispy.

What are the health benefits of lacinato kale?

Lacinato kale is a nutritious vegetable that is packed with vitamins and minerals. It is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, and folate. It also contains significant amounts of calcium, iron, and antioxidants. Lacinato kale is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and it is a great addition to a healthy diet.