Sauted Kale with Apples and Bacon
Elevate your side dish game with this irresistible Sautéed Kale with Apples and Bacon recipe! Tender kale leaves are wilted to perfection in a savory blend of olive oil and smoky bacon fat, creating a flavor-packed base for the dish. Sweet, crisp slices of Honeycrisp or Fuji apple bring a delightful contrast, while a splash of apple cider vinegar adds a zingy brightness. Crispy bacon bits are folded back in for a salty, indulgent crunch, and a whisper of garlic and optional red pepper flakes lends depth and a subtle kick. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is an effortless way to combine fresh, wholesome ingredients into a vibrant, nutrient-rich side that's perfect for any occasion. Serve it warm alongside roasted meats or enjoy it as a light, flavorful main! Keywords: sautéed kale, bacon and apple recipe, healthy side dish, kale with bacon, quick kale recipes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 cups kale, washed and stems removed
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium apple, thinly sliced (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped bacon to the skillet and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon from the skillet and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan; if there's excess, drain the rest carefully.
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet with the bacon fat and heat over medium heat.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the thinly sliced apple to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened.
Gradually add the kale to the skillet, tossing with tongs to coat it in the oil and bacon fat. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the kale wilts and becomes tender.
Sprinkle the apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes over the kale mixture. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Return the crispy bacon to the skillet, stirring it into the kale and apples until evenly distributed. Cook for 1 more minute to warm through.
Remove from heat and serve immediately as a side dish or light main.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
834 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 44.5 g | 57% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.4 g | 57% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 66 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 2447 mg | 106% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 79.8 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.8 g | 56% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.0 g | ||
| Protein | 46.5 g | 93% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 842 mg | 65% | |
| Iron | 9.7 mg | 54% | |
| Potassium | 3236 mg | 69% | |
*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.
