Diary of a Foodie

Tuscan Kale

Diary of a Foodie: Season Three: Tuscan Simplicity

Serves4
  • Active time:30 min
  • Start to finish:1 1/4 hr
March 2009
Watch a clip of this Diary of a Foodie episode and view its accompanying recipes. Plus, explore all episodes and more recipes from the show.
  • 2 lb Tuscan kale (also called lacinato, black, or dinosaur kale; 4 bunches)
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped (2 cups)
  • 4 garlic cloves, smashed, then coarsely chopped
  • 2 cups water, divided

  • Accompaniment:

    balsamic vinegar
  • Strip kale leaves from stems (reserve stems for soup if desired). Coarsely chop leaves.
  • Heat oil in a 5- to 6-qt heavy pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Cook onion with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 1 minute. Stir in red-pepper flakes.
  • Add half of kale and cook over medium heat, uncovered, stirring, until wilted. Add remaining kale and continue to cook, stirring, until wilted. Stir in 1/2 cup water and cook over medium heat, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until water has evaporated, 10 to 15 minutes. Continue to add remaining 1 1/2 cups water in 1/2-cup increments, cooking each addition until water has evaporated and until kale is very tender, 30 to 45 minutes more.
Cooks’ note: Kale can be served as a side dish or over pasta with Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Recipe by Ruth Reichl

Photograph by Stephanie Foley

Keywords
diary of a foodie,
vegetarian,
italian,
vegan,
ruth reichl

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Season 3

The third season of Gourmet’s Diary of a Foodie travels the world to serve a feast of culinary trends, exotic ingredients, and food-obsessed personalities. We’ll explore the unspoiled waters around Tasmania, the culinary traditions of Istanbul during Islam’s holiest month, and more.

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