Name: Creamed Kale Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 bunches kale, de-stemmed and coarsely chopped; ½ yellow onion, julienned (thinly sliced); 1 clove garlic, minced; 2 Tbsp salted butter; ½ cup half ‘n half, room temperature; 3 Tbsp Parmesan cheese; ¼ tsp salt, divided; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes; ⅛ tsp nutmeg

Description

This Creamed Kale recipe features tender kale blanched to perfection and simmered in a rich, creamy sauce made from butter, half and half, Parmesan cheese, and subtle spices. A perfect side dish that balances silky texture with a hint of spice and nutmeg, ideal for a comforting meal in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Vegetables

2 bunches kale, de-stemmed and coarsely chopped
½ yellow onion, julienned (thinly sliced)
1 clove garlic, minced

Dairy

2 Tbsp salted butter
½ cup half ‘n half, room temperature
3 Tbsp Parmesan cheese

Spices & Seasonings

¼ tsp salt, divided
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
⅛ tsp nutmeg

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Instructions

Rinse: De-stem the kale and rinse thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt or grit.
Blanch: Coarsely chop the kale and blanch it in boiling water seasoned with ⅛ tsp salt for about 3 minutes. Immediately transfer the kale to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve its vibrant color. Set aside.
Sauté onion: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining ⅛ tsp salt and julienned onion. Cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and nutmeg. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to release their flavors.
Create cream sauce: Pour the room temperature half ‘n half into the skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cream thickens to a sauce consistency, approximately 5 minutes.
Combine kale and cheese: Add the blanched kale and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the kale evenly with the creamy sauce and let it soften further for about 5 minutes.
Season and serve: Taste the creamed kale and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish.

Notes

Blanching the kale helps reduce bitterness and softens the leaves while maintaining their bright green color.
Using room temperature half ‘n half prevents the sauce from curdling when added to the hot skillet.
Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level according to your preference.
For a richer dish, substitute half ‘n half with heavy cream.
Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth; feel free to add more for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American