How to Boil Kale
Transform hearty kale into a tender crowd pleaser by boiling it for a few minutes.
Kale has a reputation for being one of the roughest, toughest leafy greens, but having a sensitive stomach doesn't mean you have to miss out on all its nutritious goodness. Once boiled, kale becomes a buttery soft green with a light and mild flavor. If you've avoided kale because of its texture in the past, give boiled kale a try.
1 Remove the Stems
Remove the woody stems from the kale leaves—no amount of boiling will make these soft and edible. Simply tear the leaves off of the tough stems into one-to-two inch pieces.
2 Rinse
Give the torn kale leaves a good rinse in cool water. Sand and dirt are easily trapped in the curly leaves, so it's imperative to rinse them well. Nothing ruins a meal faster than biting down on a grain of sand.
3 Boil Water
Fill a large pot with water, season it lightly with salt and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
4 Submerge the Kale
Once the water reaches a full boil, fully submerge the rinsed kale. Cover with a lid and allow the water to come back to a boil. Then reduce the heat slightly and allow the kale to boil for five minutes. After five minutes, use a fork to retrieve a piece of kale and test it for tenderness.
5 Drain the Kale
In a colander, drain the kale by moving it around to release excess trapped moisture.
6 Add Some Seasoning
Season the kale with a pinch of salt, pepper and a splash of fresh lemon. Boiling reduces kale’s bitterness and allows its natural sweetness to shine, so keep the seasoning light and fresh.
7 Recipe Idea: Kale Frittata
Boiled kale is great for adding to dishes like frittatas because it has a soft texture and none of the stringiness that plagues raw kale. To make a frittata, simply scramble a few eggs, season with salt, pepper and Parmesan, then pour over the boiled and well-drained kale. Bake the dish at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown on the edges and set in the center.
See? Getting your greens can be easy.
Find more healthy diet ideas here »
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