Easy recipes with kale
Got kale and not sure what to make? Here are 8 easy dinners you can cook tonight. Each one keeps to everyday ingredients and a single skillet or sheet pan where possible, with rough prep and cook times so you can pick by how much time you have. Prefer to cook with exactly what's on your shelf? Tell Cache & Cook what you have and it drafts a recipe free.
Creamy Garlic Kale with Crispy Shallots
15 min Serves 4weeknightvegetariancomfort-food
Crispy Garlic Kale with Lemon Pasta
15 min Serves 2weeknightvegetarianitalian-inspired
Charred Kale with Crispy Garlic and Chili Oil
10 min Serves 4weeknightvegetarianspicy
Crispy Kale and Chickpea Skillet with Garlic Oil
12 min Serves 2weeknightvegetarianone-pan
Garlic-Butter Kale with White Beans and Crispy Breadcrumbs
15 min Serves 4weeknightvegetariancozy
Garlicky Kale with Lemon & Crispy Breadcrumbs
12 min Serves 4weeknightvegetarianbright
Garlic-Buttered Kale with Crispy Breadcrumbs
15 min Serves 4weeknightvegetariancomfort-food
Kale, White Bean & Lemon Skillet
12 min Serves 4weeknightvegetariangluten-free
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Common questions
- Can I substitute kale with other greens in these recipes?
- Yes, spinach, collard greens, or Swiss chard work well as substitutes, though you may need to adjust cooking times slightly since they have different textures. Spinach cooks faster than kale, so reduce cooking time by a few minutes if swapping it in.
- How should I store kale to keep it fresh longer?
- Wash and dry your kale thoroughly, then store it in a sealed container or plastic bag in the refrigerator crisper drawer where it will stay fresh for up to 10 days. You can also chop and freeze kale in ice cube trays with a bit of water for up to 3 months.
- What are budget-friendly ways to use kale?
- Buy kale in bulk when it's in season (fall and winter) and freeze it for later, or use the entire plant including the stem if chopped finely in soups and stir-fries. Pairing a small amount of kale with cheaper beans, rice, or pasta stretches it further while keeping meals nutritious and filling.
- How can I make kale taste less bitter?
- Massage raw kale with a bit of olive oil and salt for a few minutes to soften it and reduce bitterness, or cook it with acidic ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, or tomatoes. Adding garlic, onions, or a touch of honey also helps balance the bitter flavors.
- What sides pair well with kale-based main dishes?
- Roasted potatoes, grains like rice or quinoa, or crusty bread work great to round out a kale meal. You can also pair it with proteins like beans, eggs, chicken, or fish for a complete, satisfying dish.