Sauteed Kale with Smoked Paprika
Elevate your veggie game with this irresistible Sautéed Kale with Smoked Paprika recipe—a fast and flavorful side dish that brings bold, smoky flair to your table. Tender kale leaves are infused with the deep, earthy aroma of smoked paprika and seasoned to perfection with garlic, a hint of heat from optional red pepper flakes, and a splash of zesty lemon juice. This quick-cooking dish, ready in just 25 minutes, uses a touch of vegetable broth to steam the kale to tender perfection while locking in moisture and flavor. Perfect as a nutritious accompaniment to any meal or as a topping for grains like quinoa or rice, this vibrant recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing favorite. Healthy, hearty, and full of rich, smoky goodness—this dish is a must-try for kale lovers!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 cups kale (stems removed, leaves roughly chopped)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
Wash the kale thoroughly and remove the stems. Roughly chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Stir in the smoked paprika and red pepper flakes (if using), allowing the spices to toast slightly for about 15 seconds.
Add the chopped kale to the skillet in batches, tossing to coat with the oil and spices. Allow the kale to wilt slightly before adding more to ensure even cooking.
Once all the kale is in the skillet, season with salt and black pepper. Pour in the water or vegetable broth to help steam the kale, then cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove the lid and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to evaporate and the kale to become tender.
Drizzle the lemon juice over the kale, stirring to combine, and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve hot as a side dish or over grains like quinoa or rice for a more substantial dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
362 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.1 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.7 g | 24% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1480 mg | 64% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 21.2 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.9 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.4 g | ||
| Protein | 8.2 g | 16% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 383 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 3.9 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 938 mg | 20% | |
*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.
