15-Minute Sautéed Garlic Lemon Kale With Pine Nuts

Are you eating enough greens? If not, it’s time to start incorporating these nutrient-packed veggies into your diet! Don’t worry, you won’t have to choke down any raw kale salads. You’ll be happily chowing down thanks for this delicious sautéed garlic lemon kale recipe!

I love vegetables. Bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes… they’re all so refreshing and delicious! There is one category of veggies I don’t eat too often though, and it just happens to be the most important: greens.

Dark green leafy vegetables are great sources of nutrition, according to the USDA. They’re low-calorie, yet packed with vitamins and minerals. Unfortunately, many greens also happen to have a bitter taste that I, and many others, don’t necessarily enjoy. I can’t stand eating a bowl of raw spinach or kale. It just tastes like I’m grazing on a field of grass.

Though I don’t enjoy greens in their raw state, I know it is important to include them in my diet. However, I am not willing to just choke down food I don’t enjoy for the sake of my micronutrient intake. Because of this, I recently began experimenting with various cooking methods to find one I enjoy. And guess what? It turns out I do like kale after all, at least when it’s sautéed and well-seasoned!

Sautéed kale tastes completely different from raw kale in salads. The cooking process softens the tough stems and makes the leaves more tender. I like to add garlic for a nice savory flavor, and lemon juice for a pop of acid. Since the texture is pretty monotonous, I also like to throw in some toasted pine nuts for a bit of crunch. With these ingredients, bitter kale is transformed into a crave-worthy side dish!

How to Make Sautéed Garlic Lemon Kale With Pine Nuts

Ingredients:

  • 3 tbsp pine nuts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2-3 cloves garlic thinly sliced
  • 6 cups chopped kale
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
  • Juice of one lemon

Instructions:

  1. Place pine nuts in a single layer in an ungreased frying pan over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant and golden brown. Immediately transfer to a plate.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic slices and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until garlic just begins to brown.
  3. Add the kale, salt, and pepper to the skillet and cook, stirring, until softened (about 4-5 minutes).
  4. Add the lemon juice and toss to coat. Stir in the pine nuts just before removing the skillet from the heat.

Tips:

Massage the Kale: Before cooking, massage the kale leaves with a bit of olive oil for a few minutes. This helps to break down the toughness of the kale, making it more tender and enjoyable in the final dish.

Adjust Lemon Juice to Taste: The lemon juice adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the kale. Start with the juice of one lemon and taste before serving. Adjust the quantity based on your preference, ensuring a perfect balance of acidity to complement the richness of the pine nuts and the earthiness of the kale.

FAQ

Can I substitute another nut for pine nuts in this recipe?

  • Absolutely! You can replace pine nuts with almonds, walnuts, or any other nuts you prefer for a different flavor and texture.

Is it necessary to massage the kale before cooking?

  • Massaging the kale is optional, but it can enhance the texture by making the leaves more tender. If you prefer a softer kale, take a few minutes to massage it with a bit of olive oil before cooking.

Can I use pre-chopped or bagged kale for this recipe?

  • Yes, you can use pre-chopped or bagged kale to save time. However, ensure it’s fresh and hasn’t been sitting in the fridge for too long to retain optimal flavor and nutrients.

How do I store leftover sautéed kale?

  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, and for a refreshing twist, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice before serving.

Sautéed Garlic Lemon Kale With Pine Nuts

Recipe by Food by AyakaCourse: Appetizers, Salads, SidesCuisine: Vegan, Gluten FreeDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Calories

67.1

kcal

Think you don’t like greens? The garlic and lemon flavor of this sautéed kale will change your mind! It’s topped with toasted pine nuts for extra crunch.

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp pine nuts

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 2-3 cloves garlic thinly sliced

  • 6 cups chopped kale

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper

  • Juice of one lemon

Directions

  • Place pine nuts in a single layer in an ungreased frying pan over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant and golden brown. Immediately transfer to a plate.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic slices and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until garlic just begins to brown.
  • Add the kale, salt, and pepper to the skillet and cook, stirring, until softened (about 4-5 minutes).
  • Add the lemon juice and toss to coat. Stir in the pine nuts just before removing the skillet from the heat.

Notes

  • Before cooking, massage the kale leaves with a bit of olive oil for a few minutes. This helps to break down the toughness of the kale, making it more tender and enjoyable in the final dish
Share This