Quick Kale with Bacon
Elevate your weeknight side dishes with this savory and satisfying Quick Kale with Bacon recipe. In just 20 minutes, earthy kale is transformed into a tender, garlicky delight, perfectly complemented by crispy, smoky bacon. A hint of red pepper flakes adds subtle heat, while garlic infuses every bite with bold flavor. The simple steaming technique ensures the kale stays vibrant and nutrient-rich, making this dish as healthy as it is delicious. Serve it alongside roasted meats, as a hearty topping for grains, or even as a standalone low-carb option. Perfect for busy days, this easy kale recipe is your go-to for quick, flavorful, and wholesome cooking!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large garlic cloves
- 8 cups kale
- 0.25 cup water
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Chop the bacon into small, bite-sized pieces.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the chopped bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon becomes crispy (about 5-6 minutes). Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet; if there is excess, discard it carefully.
While the bacon cooks, peel and mince the garlic cloves into small pieces.
Add the olive oil to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
Wash and trim the kale, removing any tough stems. Cut or tear the kale leaves into bite-sized pieces if needed.
Add the kale to the skillet and toss it gently to coat it in the garlic oil mixture.
Pour the water into the skillet, cover with a lid, and let the kale steam for 2-3 minutes until slightly wilted.
Uncover the skillet, add the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, and stir well. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until the kale is tender but still bright green.
Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and toss it with the kale to combine. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
Serve immediately as a delicious side dish or over rice for a quick and nourishing meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
365 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.3 g | 36% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.4 g | 32% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 32 mg | 11% | |
| Sodium | 646 mg | 28% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 10.1 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.5 g | 30% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.7 g | ||
| Protein | 16.9 g | 34% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 519 mg | 40% | |
| Iron | 3.8 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 875 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
