Curly kale (or cavolo nero) with rosemary and chilli

Method 1

Ingredients

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 large onion, sliced

2 sprigs fresh rosemary

1 medium or hot fresh red chilli, deseeded and thinly sliced

4 garlic cloves, sliced

250g/9oz curly kale or cavolo nero, trimmed of tough stems, rinsed and cut into 1cm/&frac12in thick slices

salt and freshly ground black pepper

Heat the olive oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed lidded pan over a medium heat. Add the onion, turn down the heat and fry gently until very tender.

Add the rosemary, chilli and garlic and fry for one more minute.

Add the kale or cavolo nero and season with salt. Cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to its absolute minimum and leave to cook gently for about 20 minutes. Stir once after five minutes, then again ten minutes later.

Remove the rosemary stalks, then taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve at once.

Method 2

Ingredients (serves 2–4 as a side)

200g (7 oz) curly kale or cavolo nero, tough stems removed, leaves chopped

2 tbsp olive oil

2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1 small red chilli, finely sliced (or use ½ tsp dried chilli flakes)

1 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried rosemary)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Lemon juice, to finish (optional)

Instructions

Blanch the Kale (optional, for tenderness):

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the kale and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until slightly softened.

Drain and set aside (or skip this step for a firmer, more textured result).

Infuse the Oil:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.

Add garlic, chilli, and rosemary. Cook gently for 1–2 minutes, stirring, until fragrant and the garlic starts to lightly brown.

Add the Kale:

Add the blanched (or raw) kale to the pan.

Toss to coat in the infused oil, and cook for 5–6 minutes until tender but still vibrant green.

Season and Serve:

Season with salt, pepper, and a little squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Serve hot as a side dish or pile it on toast for a healthy snack or light lunch.

Comments

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