Garlic-Braised Kale and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Can’t get your family to eat their green leafy vegetables? Then try this baby on them. Rich with garlic and oil and just a touch of spice, there’s nothing boring about this side dish. And did I mention how rich in calcium kale is?

Makes 3-4 servings

Ingredient List:

• extra virgin olive oil
• 6-7 cloves fresh garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 red onion, diced
• sea salt
• generous pinch picante spice
• 3-4 tablespoons diced oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained well
• 1 medium bunch kale, rinsed well
• grated zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup spring or filtered water
• 2 tablespoons mirin
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup lightly toasted hazelnuts, coarsely chopped

Step By Step Instructions:

Place a small amount of oil, garlic and onion in a deep skillet or wok and turn heat to medium. When the onions begin to sizzle, add a generous pinch of salt, picante spice and sauté for about 2 minutes. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes. Remove kale stems, dice and stir into skillet. Slice kale leaves and stir them, with lemon zest, into skillet, season to taste with salt and sauté for 2 minutes. Add water and mirin, cover and reduce heat to low. Cook until kale is quite wilted and a deep green, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vinegar. Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with hazelnuts.  

Cook’s Tip: Picante spice is an Italian spice mixture available in specialty markets. If you can’t find it, any variety of hot spice will do, like red chili flakes or chili powder.