Savory Braised Kale with Pancetta
Discover the delicious, savory side of kale with this easy-to-make braised dish, inspired by Rachael Ray. This recipe combines the smoky richness of pancetta with the freshness of chopped kale, creating a delightful medley of flavors that’s packed with nutrients. Perfect as a comforting side dish for any dinner, this braised kale has become a family favorite, especially for my son! The interplay of sweet vinegar and savory broth makes it an inviting accompaniment to grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (None)
Sliced pancetta
4 ounces (Chopped)
Onion
1 medium (Chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (Chopped)
Kale
1 1/2 lbs (Trimmed, washed and roughly chopped)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (None)
Red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons (None)
Chicken or vegetable stock
1/2 cup (None)
Instructions
1
Heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over high heat.
2
Add the chopped pancetta and sauté it until crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
3
Stir in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4
Gradually add the trimmed and roughly chopped kale to the skillet, stirring continuously until the greens are wilted and tender, approximately 5-7 minutes.
5
Sprinkle the kale with sugar, tossing well to combine.
6
Deglaze the pan by pouring in the red wine vinegar, scraping up any browned bits for added flavor.
7
Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, mixing thoroughly. Reduce the heat to low and cover, letting the kale mellow and infuse the flavors for an additional 5 minutes.
8
Serve warm as a flavorful side dish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Braised Kale with Pancetta?
It is a flavorful side dish that combines the smoky richness of pancetta with fresh chopped kale, braised in a savory broth with a touch of vinegar.
Who inspired this kale recipe?
This recipe was inspired by Rachael Ray.
How long does it take to cook the pancetta?
The chopped pancetta should be sautéed for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes crispy.
What type of kale is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of kale that is trimmed, washed, and roughly chopped; standard curly kale or Lacinato kale work well.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make it vegetarian by omitting the pancetta and using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
What ingredients are needed for the braising liquid?
The braising liquid consists of 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar and 1/2 cup of chicken or vegetable stock.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Why is sugar added to the kale?
A tablespoon of sugar is added to help balance the natural bitterness of the kale and the acidity of the vinegar.
What is the purpose of deglazing the pan?
Deglazing with red wine vinegar helps scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, which adds significant flavor to the dish.
How long should the kale simmer?
After adding the stock, cover the pan and let the kale mellow for an additional 5 minutes.
What heat setting should I use?
Start with high heat for sautéing the pancetta and kale, then reduce to low heat once the liquid is added and the pan is covered.
How much garlic is included?
The recipe uses 2 chopped garlic cloves.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
The author mentions that this braised kale has become a family favorite, especially for their son.
What size onion should I use?
One medium-sized onion, chopped, is sufficient for this recipe.
How many servings does this make?
While specific serving counts aren't listed, the use of 1.5 lbs of kale generally serves 4 to 6 people as a side dish.
What should I serve with braised kale?
It is an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
Do I need to wash the kale?
Yes, the instructions specify that the kale should be washed and trimmed before being chopped.
What kind of vinegar is used?
The recipe specifically calls for red wine vinegar.
Can I use bacon instead of pancetta?
Yes, bacon is a common substitute for pancetta and will provide a similar smoky flavor.
How do I prepare the onion and garlic?
Both the onion and the garlic cloves should be chopped before being added to the skillet.
How long do the onion and garlic take to cook?
They should be cooked for about 3-4 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
What is the texture of the finished kale?
The kale becomes wilted and tender through the braising process.
How much stock is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chicken or vegetable stock.
Should the pan be covered during cooking?
The pan should be covered for the final 5 minutes of cooking to allow the flavors to infuse.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, kale is a nutrient-dense green, making this a healthy side dish option.
How much pancetta is needed?
You will need 4 ounces of sliced, chopped pancetta.
Should I use a specific type of skillet?
A large skillet is recommended to accommodate the initial volume of the raw kale.
How do I know when the kale is done?
The kale is ready when it is wilted, tender, and has had time to absorb the flavors of the broth and vinegar.
Can I use pre-chopped kale?
Yes, you can use pre-chopped kale, but ensure you have approximately 1.5 lbs and that any large stems are removed.
Should the dish be served hot?
Yes, it is best served warm as a flavorful side dish.