Vegetable, Leafy Green | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Calorie Low Carb

Kale

Brassica oleracea var. sabellica Allergen-Free
Kale

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Brassicaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Global, Western
  • Seasonality Fall, Winter (harvested year-round)
  • Source Kale plant

The Forktionary Angle

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

Definition

A nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable, a member of the cabbage family, known for its robust texture and slightly bitter flavor.

Sensory Profile

TasteEarthy, Slightly bitter, Pungent
TextureFibrous, Chewy (raw), Tender (cooked)
AromaGreen, Cabbage-like
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Cooking Shrinkage

Up to 50% volume

Optimal Storage Temp

32-36°F (0-2°C)

Vitamin K Content

684% DV per 100g

Nutrition Facts

Per 67g (1 cup chopped)
Calories35 kcal
Total Fat0.7g
Saturated Fat0.1g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Protein3.3g
Total Carbohydrate4.4g
Dietary Fiber4.1g
Total Sugars0.9g
Calcium150mg
Iron1.5mg
Potassium348mg

Chef’s Secret

Massaging raw kale leaves with a little olive oil or lemon juice before dressing helps tenderize them and reduce bitterness.

Substitutions

Best Match

Collard Greens

1:1

Best for cooked dishes, similar sturdy texture and earthy flavor.

Spinach

1:1 (cooked), 1.5:1 (raw)

Milder and more tender, good for salads and quick cooking, but less robust.

Swiss Chard

1:1

Similar texture to kale when cooked, milder flavor, vibrant stems.

Arugula

1:1

For a peppery bite in raw salads, but lacks the fibrous texture.

Buying Guide

Choose kale with dark, crisp leaves and moist stems. Avoid yellowed or wilted leaves.

Flavor Pairings

Garlic lemon olive oil bacon sausage sweet potatoes parmesan cheese beans.

Recipes Using Kale

Preparation Main Ingredient Vegetables Dietary

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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Easy Low Sodium Pineapple Time To Make

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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Dietary 4 Hours Or Less Main Ingredient Northeastern United States

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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Easy Time To Make Occasion North American

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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Low Calorie 15 Minutes Or Less Low In Something Vegetarian

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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Vegetables 30 Minutes Or Less Main Dish Dietary

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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15 Minutes Or Less Vegetarian Course Beverages

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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Vegetarian Breakfast Course Smoothies

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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Equipment Main Ingredient Weeknight 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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Vegetarian Salads Easy Time To Make

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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Italian Pork Sausage European Taste Mood

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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