Kale, the superfood of the moment, has taken the world by storm with its numerous health benefits and versatility in cooking. While it’s commonly associated with smoothies and salads, kale can also be cooked in a variety of ways, including the classic Southern style. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Southern cooking and explore the best ways to cook fresh kale, just like grandma used to make.
Understanding Southern Cooking
Southern cooking is a unique blend of traditional African, European, and Native American cuisines. It’s characterized by its rich flavors, hearty portions, and comforting dishes that warm the soul. When it comes to cooking kale, Southerners often employ a few key techniques to bring out the best in this leafy green.
The Importance of Seasoning
In Southern cooking, seasoning is key. A good Southern cook knows that the right combination of herbs and spices can make all the difference in a dish. When cooking kale, it’s essential to use a blend of aromatics like garlic, onion, and sometimes even bacon to add depth and complexity to the dish.
Choosing the Right Type of Kale
Not all kale is created equal. When cooking Southern-style kale, it’s best to use curly-leaf or lacinato (also known as dinosaur) kale. These varieties have a milder flavor and a more tender texture than other types of kale, making them perfect for sautéing and braising.
Basic Southern-Style Kale Recipe
Before we dive into the various ways to cook kale, let’s start with a basic recipe that showcases the classic Southern style.
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of curly-leaf or lacinato kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves chopped
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add the chopped kale to the skillet, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic mixture.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until the kale is tender.
Variations on the Basic Recipe
Now that we have the basic recipe down, let’s explore some variations that can add some excitement to your Southern-style kale.
- Add some smoky flavor: Add 2-3 slices of cooked bacon, diced, to the skillet with the onion and garlic for a smoky, savory flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give your kale a spicy kick.
- Get a little sweet: Add 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar or honey to balance out the bitterness of the kale.
Cooking Kale with Meat
In Southern cooking, it’s common to pair kale with meat, especially pork or bacon. Here are a few ways to cook kale with meat:
Kale and Bacon Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of curly-leaf or lacinato kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves chopped
- 6 slices of bacon, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions:
- Cook the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add the chopped kale to the skillet, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic mixture.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and stir to combine with the kale mixture.
Kale and Sausage Stew
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of curly-leaf or lacinato kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves chopped
- 1 pound of smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
Instructions:
- Cook the sliced sausage in a large pot over medium heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add the chopped kale to the pot, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic mixture.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir to combine with the kale mixture.
- Simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until the kale is tender.
Cooking Kale with Other Ingredients
Kale can also be cooked with a variety of other ingredients to add texture and flavor. Here are a few ideas:
Kale and White Bean Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of curly-leaf or lacinato kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves chopped
- 1 can of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions:
- Cook the chopped onion and minced garlic in a large pot over medium heat until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chopped kale to the pot, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic mixture.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Add the cannellini beans to the pot and stir to combine with the kale mixture.
- Simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until the kale is tender.
Kale and Sweet Potato Hash
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of curly-leaf or lacinato kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves chopped
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions:
- Cook the diced sweet potatoes in a large skillet over medium heat until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add the chopped kale to the skillet, stirring to combine with the sweet potato and onion mixture.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
Conclusion
Cooking kale Southern style is all about embracing the rich flavors and hearty portions that this cuisine is known for. Whether you’re cooking kale with meat, other ingredients, or on its own, the key is to use a blend of aromatics and seasonings to bring out the best in this leafy green. With these recipes and variations, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Southern kale-cooking pro. So go ahead, get creative, and start cookin’ up some Southern charm in your kitchen today!
What is Southern-style kale and how does it differ from other kale recipes?
Southern-style kale is a traditional dish that originated in the Southern United States. It is characterized by its rich, smoky flavor and tender texture, which is achieved by cooking the kale with pork or bacon, onions, and sometimes a splash of vinegar. This style of kale is distinct from other kale recipes, which may feature lighter, fresher flavors and ingredients.
The key to Southern-style kale is the slow-cooking process, which allows the flavors to meld together and the kale to become tender and almost velvety. This style of cooking is often associated with traditional Southern cuisine, which emphasizes hearty, comforting dishes that are perfect for cold winter nights or special occasions.
What type of kale is best suited for Southern-style cooking?
For Southern-style kale, it’s best to use a variety of kale that is sturdy and has a slightly bitter flavor, such as curly-leaf or lacinato kale. These types of kale hold up well to slow-cooking and have a more robust flavor that can stand up to the rich, smoky flavors of the dish.
Avoid using baby kale or other delicate varieties, as they may become too soft and mushy during the cooking process. You can also use a combination of kale varieties, such as curly-leaf and collard greens, for a more complex flavor and texture.
How do I prepare the kale for cooking?
To prepare the kale for cooking, start by washing the leaves thoroughly and removing any stems or tough ribs. You can also remove the center stem from each leaf, as it can be a bit tough and fibrous. Next, chop the kale into bite-sized pieces and set it aside.
It’s also a good idea to massage the kale with a bit of olive oil and salt before cooking, as this can help to break down the fibers and make the kale more tender. Simply rub the kale with your hands for a few minutes, until it starts to feel softer and more pliable.
What type of pork is best to use for Southern-style kale?
For Southern-style kale, it’s best to use a type of pork that is smoky and flavorful, such as bacon or pancetta. You can also use a ham hock or a piece of smoked pork shoulder, as these will add a rich, meaty flavor to the dish.
Avoid using leaner types of pork, such as pork loin or tenderloin, as these may not have enough fat to add flavor to the dish. You can also use a combination of pork and other meats, such as sausage or ham, for a more complex flavor.
How long does it take to cook Southern-style kale?
Southern-style kale is a slow-cooked dish that typically takes around 30-40 minutes to prepare. This allows the flavors to meld together and the kale to become tender and flavorful. You can also cook the kale for a longer period of time, such as 1-2 hours, for an even more tender and flavorful dish.
The key is to cook the kale low and slow, allowing the flavors to simmer together and the kale to absorb all the flavors. You can also cook the kale in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, which can reduce the cooking time to around 10-15 minutes.
Can I make Southern-style kale ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Southern-style kale ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use. In fact, the kale may even be more flavorful after it’s been refrigerated or frozen, as the flavors will have had time to meld together.
To make ahead, simply cook the kale as directed and then let it cool to room temperature. You can then refrigerate or freeze the kale for up to 3-5 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the kale over low heat, adding a bit more liquid if necessary.
What are some common variations of Southern-style kale?
There are many variations of Southern-style kale, depending on the region and personal preferences. Some common variations include adding a splash of vinegar or hot sauce for extra flavor, using different types of pork or meat, or adding other ingredients such as garlic or onions.
You can also add other leafy greens, such as collard greens or mustard greens, to the dish for a more complex flavor and texture. Some people also like to add a bit of sugar or honey to balance out the flavors, while others prefer to keep the dish savory and umami-rich.