Kale

Brassica oleracea var. sabellica Vegetable, Leafy Green

Kale Vegetable, Leafy Green

At a Glance

  • Category Vegetable, Leafy Green

The Forktionary Angle

"The nutrient-dense superstar of the greens world, adaptable to countless healthy dishes."

Definition

A leafy green vegetable from the cabbage family, known for its high nutritional value and earthy flavor, used raw or cooked.

Cooking Shrinkage Up to 50% volume
Optimal Storage Temp 32-36°F (0-2°C)
Vitamin K Content 684% DV per 100g

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Kale are:

Earthy Slightly Bitter Pungent

Chef’s Secret

To tenderize kale for salads, massage it with a little olive oil, lemon juice, and salt for a few minutes. This breaks down tough fibers.

Best Substitutes

Spinach

less bitter
Ratio 1:1

Swiss Chard

similar texture
Ratio 1:1

Collard Greens

longer cook time
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose firm, crisp leaves without yellowing or wilting. Store unwashed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Recipes Using Kale

Seasonal 60 Minutes Or Less Vegetarian Preparation

Autumn Minestrone

Warm up with this hearty and flavorful Autumn Minestrone Soup, a delicious Moosewood-inspired recipe perfect for chilly evenings. Bursting with seasonal vegetables like butternut squash, carrots, and kale, this comforting soup is easy to make and packed with wholesome goodness. Get ready for a taste of autumn in every bowl!

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30 Minutes Or Less Low In Something Eggs Dairy Time To Make

Baked Eggs Kale Parmesan Frittata

This stunning Baked Eggs Kale Parmesan Frittata is the perfect brunch or dinner showstopper! A quick and easy recipe bursting with protein and calcium, it's a healthier take on a classic casserole. Tender kale, savory leeks, and creamy Parmesan cheese combine beautifully with baked eggs for a truly satisfying meal. Easily adaptable – try swiss chard if you don't have kale on hand (avoid spinach as it's too watery). Prepare to impress!

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Number Of Servings 5 Ingredients Or Less For 1 Or 2 Breakfast

Basic Green Smoothie Raw Food

Fuel your body with this vibrant and affordable Basic Green Smoothie! Perfect for winter when fresh fruit prices soar, this recipe is a quick and easy way to get your daily dose of greens. Packed with nutrients and customizable to your liking, add your favorite healthy extras like flax seeds, parsley, ginger, or beets for an extra boost. This raw food smoothie is a delicious and healthy way to start your day or refuel after a workout.

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Preparation Easy Dietary Equipment

Beans And Greens Of Provence

Transport your taste buds to the sunny hills of Provence with this hearty vegetarian dish! Inspired by an Atlanta restaurant and originally featured in the newspaper, this recipe is bursting with flavor. Enjoy tender beans and vibrant greens in a rich, satisfying sauce – a delicious and memorable meal your whole family will crave. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Chick Peas Garbanzos African Main Dish Time To Make

African Peanut Stew

This hearty and flavorful African Peanut Stew recipe is a labor of love, inspired by a Rochester, NY restaurant! Years in the making, this recipe delivers a rich, nutty stew perfect for a cozy night in. Serve with crusty bread for dipping or add brown rice directly to the stew for extra heartiness. Get ready for a taste of Rochester!

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Preparation Soups Stews Comfort Food Preparation

Better Than Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana

Craving a creamy, dreamy soup bursting with Italian flavor? This copycat Zuppa Toscana recipe is BETTER than Olive Garden's! Savory sausage, tender potatoes, and hearty kale simmer in a rich broth, all without the hefty calories. Get ready for the most flavorful, comforting soup you'll ever make. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

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Dietary Fruit Small Appliance Number Of Servings

Banana Kale Smoothie

This vibrant green smoothie is unbelievably creamy and delicious! Adapted from a blender cookbook and perfected for high-powered blenders (3hp or higher), this recipe delivers a luxuriously smooth and velvety texture that will leave you wanting more. Packed with nutrients from kale and the sweetness of banana, it's the perfect healthy and quick breakfast or snack.

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Seasonal Preparation Time To Make Main Ingredient

Bean And Kale Soup

Warm up with this hearty and healthy Bean and Kale Soup! Packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, this recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Enjoy the delicious combination of tender beans, wilted kale, and savory ham hock in a comforting broth. Topped with parmesan cheese and crusty bread, it's a satisfying meal that's good for the body and soul.

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Smoothies Brunch American Preparation

Anytime Smoothie

Fuel your day with this quick and delicious Anytime Smoothie! Perfect as a grab-and-go breakfast, a refreshing mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or a healthy post-workout treat. Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor, this smoothie is customizable to your taste preferences. Easy to make in under 5 minutes!

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Chard Healthy Preparation Time To Make

Amy Scattergood's Cranberry Bean Lacinato Kale And Pasta Soup

A hearty and flavorful vegetarian soup, inspired by The Wednesday Chef blog! This recipe combines the earthy sweetness of cranberry beans, the peppery bite of lacinato kale, and the comforting texture of pasta for a truly satisfying meal. Perfect for a chilly evening, this vibrant soup is packed with nutrients and bursting with deliciousness.

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Greens Time To Make Main Ingredient Vegetables

Beet Kale Salad

Transform tough kale into a vibrant and surprisingly delicious salad! This recipe features earthy beets and a zesty dressing that will make you rethink raw kale. Quick, easy, and perfect for a healthy lunch or side dish.

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30 Minutes Or Less Cuisine Low In Something Healthy 2

African Pineapple Peanut Stew

A vibrant and flavorful African Pineapple Peanut Stew, surprisingly delicious served over noodles! This 30-minute recipe bursts with the sweet and tangy taste of pineapple, creamy peanut butter, and a hint of spice. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying weekend treat. #AfricanFood #PeanutStew #PineappleRecipe #NoodleDish #EasyRecipe #30MinuteMeal

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Spicy Diabetic Meat Course

Anti Baldness Soup

Boost your hair health from the inside out with this delicious and nutritious Anti-Baldness Power Soup! Packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein, this recipe promotes healthy hair growth while satisfying your taste buds. Perfect for a healthy and convenient lunch or dinner, this easy-to-make soup is a delicious way to nourish your body and support strong, vibrant hair.

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Occasion Main Ingredient Northeastern United States Vegetables

Alton Brown's Winter Vegetable Soup

A hearty and flavorful winter vegetable soup inspired by Alton Brown's recipe from 'Good Eats'. This comforting soup is packed with mushrooms, carrots, celery, squash, kale, and beans, simmered in a rich broth with aromatic herbs. Easily customizable to be vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a chilly evening!

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Dietary Healthy 2 Easy Dietary

Asian Style Kale

Discover the vibrant flavors of this Asian-inspired kale recipe! Using tender black kale (dino kale) or curly scotch kale, this dish is packed with nutrients and ready in under 20 minutes. Learn how to easily prepare this delicious and economical meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe is adapted from Northern Virginia cooking instructor Robyn Webb and celebrates the incredible versatility of kale.

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Time To Make Served Hot Main Ingredient Presentation

Acorn Squash And Kale Over Penne

This 30-minute recipe from a health magazine is a delicious and healthy twist on classic pasta. Sweet acorn squash and nutritious kale combine with penne pasta for a satisfying meal that's both comforting and good for you. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!

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Dietary Dietary Crock Pot Slow Cooker Low Cholesterol

Kale With Smoked Sausage Soup Slow Cooker

Cozy up on a chilly Canadian night with this hearty and nutritious Kale & Smoked Sausage Slow Cooker Soup! This comforting recipe is packed with flavor, featuring smoky sausage, tender kale, and savory spices. Serve with crusty bread for the ultimate winter meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxing weekend!

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