Creamy Kale with Bacon

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) kale leaves, stems removed 500g (1.1 lb) kale leaves, stems removed
• 200g (7 oz) bacon, diced 200g (7 oz) bacon, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 250ml (1 cup) heavy cream 250ml (1 cup) heavy cream
• 50g (1/4 cup) butter 50g (1/4 cup) butter
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 30g, 15g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot of boiling salted water, blanch the kale leaves for 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
3. 3.
   In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the blanched kale leaves to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. 5.
   Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the kale is tender and the sauce has thickened.
6. 6.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Serve the Creamy Kale with Bacon hot, garnished with the crispy bacon on top.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Kale — Make sure to remove the tough stems before cooking. You can tear the leaves into smaller pieces for easier handling.
• Bacon — Choose a high-quality bacon with a good balance of fat and meat. Crispy bacon adds a delightful texture to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a healthier version, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavors of the dish.
• Serve the Creamy Kale with Bacon as a side dish to roasted meats or as a main course with crusty bread.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Kale with Bacon as a side dish alongside Swedish meatballs or roasted chicken. It also pairs well with boiled potatoes or lingonberry sauce.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Creamy Kale with Bacon on a platter, garnishing it with a sprinkle of crispy bacon on top. The vibrant green color of the kale will create a beautiful contrast against the white creamy sauce.