Are you looking for a quick dinner idea that's both healthy and satisfying? Craving a delicious dish that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This recipe combines the nutritional powerhouse that is kale with the smoky goodness of bacon, creating a flavor combination that’s both unexpected and utterly addictive. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a fantastic homemade cooking experience without hours spent in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound kale, stems removed and roughly chopped
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
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Crisp the Bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the bacon grease in the pan. Set the crispy bacon aside.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Add the olive oil to the skillet with the bacon grease. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Wilt the Kale: Add the chopped kale to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it wilts and becomes tender, about 5-7 minutes. You might need to add a little more olive oil if the pan seems dry.
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Simmer and Season: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the kale is completely tender.
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Combine and Serve: Stir in the crispy bacon and season with salt and pepper to taste. If using, stir in the Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately as a side dish or as a light main course.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you have a large amount of kale, cook it in batches to ensure even wilting.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference. You might want to add more red pepper flakes for extra spice, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
- Use different types of bacon: Experiment with different types of bacon, such as hickory-smoked or applewood-smoked, for varying flavor profiles.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to this recipe, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
Variations:
- Add protein: For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken, sausage, or chickpeas.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream at the end for a creamy texture.
- Spice it up: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 10-15 grams
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams
- Fiber: 5-7 grams
This easy recipe for kale and bacon is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible, and the best part? It's surprisingly simple to make! Enjoy!