Southern-Style Braised Kale Recipe

Introduction

Southern-style braised kale is a flavorful and comforting side dish that combines tender greens with savory bacon and a tangy broth. This recipe brings out the best in kale, making it a perfect addition to any meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 2 teaspoons sodium-free chicken bouillon
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 3 bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 4 slices bacon
• 1 cup yellow onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 bag kale

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl or cup, combine water, chicken bouillon, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, bay leaves, celery salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well.
2. Step 2: Heat the mixture in the microwave for 30 seconds to help dissolve the spices. Stir again and set aside.
3. Step 3: In an extra-large saucepan, sauté the bacon, yellow onion, and garlic over medium to medium-high heat. Cook until the bacon begins to brown, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Step 4: Add the whole bag of kale to the saucepan. It’s okay if it’s packed tightly, as it will wilt down during cooking.
5. Step 5: Pour the prepared broth over the kale and bring the liquid to a boil, about 3 minutes.
6. Step 6: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 40 minutes. Stir the kale every 5-10 minutes to rotate the leaves from bottom to top for even cooking.
7. Step 7: Serve the braised kale immediately or refrigerate and reheat when ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

• For a smokier flavor, use smoked bacon or add a splash of liquid smoke.
• Substitute apple cider vinegar with lemon juice for a different tangy note.
• Remove bay leaves before serving to avoid any bitter bites.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon.

Storage

Store leftover braised kale in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen kale for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen kale, but fresh kale is recommended for the best texture. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess water before cooking.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild heat from the crushed red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted or omitted to suit your preference.

Southern-Style Braised Kale Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 121 reviews

• Author: Ben
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Southern-Style Braised Kale recipe offers a flavorful and hearty way to enjoy leafy greens. Braised with smoky bacon, aromatic onions, and a seasoned broth featuring apple cider vinegar and spices, it delivers a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors. An ideal side dish for comforting Southern meals, this healthy and satisfying kale preparation wilts down to tender perfection over a gentle simmer.

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Ingredients

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Broth

• 2 cups Water
• 2 teaspoons Sodium-Free Chicken Bouillon
• 1/4 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
• 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
• 3 Bay Leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon Celery Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

Main Ingredients

• 4 slices Bacon
• 1 cup Yellow Onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Garlic, minced
• 1 bag Kale (about 10–12 cups, packed)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the broth: Combine 2 cups of water, 2 teaspoons of sodium-free chicken bouillon, 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 3 bay leaves, 1/2 teaspoon of celery salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes in a small bowl or cup. Stir well to mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
2. Heat the broth mixture: Place the prepared broth mixture in the microwave and heat for 30 seconds. This helps dissolve the bouillon and spices, ensuring an even flavor distribution. Stir the mixture again after heating and set it aside.
3. Sauté bacon, onion, and garlic: In an extra-large saucepan, add 4 slices of bacon, 1 cup of chopped yellow onion, and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Cook over medium to medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon browns and onions soften.
4. Add kale to the pan: Place the entire bag of kale into the saucepan with the bacon and onions. It is okay if the kale is packed tightly as it will wilt down significantly as it cooks.
5. Pour in the broth: Carefully pour the prepared and heated broth mixture over the kale in the saucepan. Turn up the heat to bring the liquid to a boil, which should take about 3 minutes.
6. Simmer the kale: Reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook the kale for an additional 40 minutes, stirring every 5 to 10 minutes to rotate the leaves from bottom to top and ensure even cooking and flavor absorption.
7. Serve: Once tender and flavorful, serve the braised kale immediately as a hearty side dish. Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated before serving.

Notes

• Using sodium-free chicken bouillon helps control the salt level in this dish.
• Stirring occasionally during simmering prevents the kale from sticking and promotes even cooking.
• Bacon can be substituted with smoked turkey or omitted for a vegetarian variation, adjusting seasoning accordingly.
• If kale is very tough, increase simmer time by 10-15 minutes until desired tenderness is reached.
• This dish pairs well with Southern staples like cornbread, fried chicken, or mashed potatoes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southern

Keywords: southern kale recipe, braised kale, bacon kale, healthy greens side dish, southern cooking, comfort food greens