Sauted Kale with Chickpeas and Pancetta
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this vibrant and hearty Sautéed Kale with Chickpeas and Pancetta. Packed with nutrient-rich kale and protein-packed chickpeas, this quick and easy recipe is elevated by the smoky crispiness of pancetta and a kick of red chili flakes. Fresh garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice add brightness, perfectly balancing the savory flavors. Ready in just 25 minutes, this one-pan dish is perfect as a satisfying side or a light, wholesome main course. Whether you're looking for a new way to enjoy leafy greens or craving a dish with bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this recipe is sure to impress. Serve warm and savor every bite of this irresistible blend of textures and tastes!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 cups kale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 ounces pancetta, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas (canned or freshly cooked)
- 0.5 teaspoons red chili flakes
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Wash the kale thoroughly, remove the tough stems, and roughly chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced pancetta and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes crispy and golden brown. Remove the pancetta with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
In the same skillet with the rendered pancetta fat, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add the kale to the skillet in batches, stirring to wilt each batch before adding more. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Once the kale has wilted, add the chickpeas, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the chickpeas are warmed through and the kale is tender.
Return the crispy pancetta to the skillet and stir to evenly distribute.
Drizzle the lemon juice over the dish, give everything a final toss, and adjust seasoning as needed.
Transfer to a serving dish and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1300 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 75.9 g | 97% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.6 g | 93% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 79 mg | 26% | |
| Sodium | 3475 mg | 151% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 104.9 g | 38% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 33.8 g | 121% | |
| Total Sugars | 17.9 g | ||
| Protein | 52.0 g | 104% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 700 mg | 54% | |
| Iron | 14.1 mg | 78% | |
| Potassium | 1942 mg | 41% | |
*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.
