Easy Sweet & Spicy Kale

May 19, 2018

This has been one of my favorite go-to side dishes to make for a really long time.  I always forget how good it is until I make it again and the pan is gone in 2.5 seconds, haha - my family absolutely loves when I make this. This is an unusual way to have kale as it has a sweetness that is kind of unexpected.  After taking a bite though, you will question why you are not sprinkling sugar on every single green veggie that you eat. LOL :)

A simple little recipe like this is good to keep in your repertoire to whip together and impress your family on a weeknight or for Sunday dinner. Not only is this super easy to make, it requires very few ingredients; win and win, if you ask me! Plus, what a delicious way to get more greens in, if that's a goal of yours.

Ingredients
2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Medium Onion, Chopped
2 Tablespoons of Crushed Red Pepper Flakes {or less if you can't take that much heat}
3 Cloves Garlic, Crushed
4 Cups Chopped Kale {or 1 large bag from produce section}
4 Tablespoons Sugar
1/2 Cup Chicken Broth {or veggie broth, for a vegan option}


{In a large pan over medium high, heat the olive oil and saute your onions and red pepper flakes until fragrant and just starting to become translucent, about 3 minutes.  Then add in your crushed garlic and saute for a minute more.}

{Add in your kale.  You will want to do this in batches, coating each handful with the oil, onions and garlic mixture, so that it wilts down a bit.  Otherwise, your pan will be overflowing and it will be difficult to mix. Once the kale is in the pan and has started to wilt, season with salt and pepper.}

{Sprinkle in your sugar and mix well.}

{Next in goes the chicken or veggie broth.}

{Turn the heat down to medium {not too low!} and let this simmer on the stove for about 15 minutes, stirring it once or twice.}

{After about 15 minutes, the broth evaporates and together with the sugar, creates this flavorful glaze on the kale.  It's sweet, spicy, savory, garlicky and so very delicious. There is a serious amount of flavor here and a couple of ingredients. If that is not perfection in a side dish, I don't know what is!}

{Serve it up piping hot and watch it disappear in minutes! :) I love making this whenever we have grilled or fried chicken and macaroni and cheese.  It is THEE perfect pairing. 

Let me know if you try this, I'd love to hear what you think!