Braised Kale

Kale is a relatively new vegetable for me. I avoided greens in the grocery store because I wasn't familiar with cooking them. I liked spinach but kale, collards or swiss chard (or any kind of greens)...no thank you.

When we began getting our produce from our CSA, kale of all kinds was included in the baskets in the spring and fall, so I had to figure out what to do with it. Imagine my surprise when I found out how good it was, I love this stuff and from what I read it's full of all kind of good for you nutrients, a real super food.

Now I know a lot of folks that add kale to smoothies, it's one way of getting all the goodness from the kale without losing any of the nutrients but I'm not a big fan. I don't think I can get over the thought of drinking something green...just saying. I  love it braised though and this recipe is the best ever...it's got bacon in it how can you go wrong! I can literally eat this every day (and have been for the last week)

I have adapted this recipe so the measurements of the kale, apple, onion and bacon are flexible. I tend to be a "grandma cook" I measure by what looks good, not so good for those trying to replicate my recipes. This recipe would be a perfect Thanksgiving side dish. Try it, I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Braised Kale
4-8 cups Curly Kale, chopped with stems removed
1/2-1 sliced onion
1/4-1/2 chopped bacon (about 4 slices) more if you like
1-3 skinned diced apples (I use a tart apple like granny smith)
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (I like the cloudy kind)
2/3 cup apple cider (I used the spiced apple cider from Trader Joe's)
Salt to taste

I wash and trim the kale first, cutting out all the woody stems and ribs (if your kale is more tender you may not need to trim as much) I then chopped my bacon and brown in a large pan (I use a dutch oven because initially the kale is going to fill the pan before it cooks down). After I cook the bacon I add the sliced onion till it begins to soften. I then begin adding the kale, mix all together as it cooks down, a bit. I then add the vinegar and the cider, chopped apples and cook until kale is tender.

Did I mention this stuff is crazy good. This recipe is just a guideline, the only thing I keep consistent is the liquid measurements (because you can always cook it out) Bonus...this recipe makes your house smell delicious

Recipe adapted from Sauteed Kale and Apples from Allrecipes