Kale with Garlic and Sesame
Kale is one over-hyped vegetable lately, I tell you whut. I don’t mean that to sound negative and complainy, but I know it does. Alls I mean is, kale is always on those lists of “Top 10 foods you must eat NOW!” and “Eat this and live FOREVER!” and then it goes on to be all like: Kale is so nutritious and it has vitamins and antioxidants and it prevents cancer and it’s basically a miracle and you’re an idiot if you don’t eat kale at least every meal and put it in your coffee; and maybe that’s all true and fine, but really I think the poor sad collard greens are just as good for you so why are you getting your panties all in a wad about kale, Dr. Oz? I call conspiracy. Or kale-spiracy. Know whut I mean, Vern?
But the almighty Doctor has spoken and he hath said that thou greens shall be of the kale variety and that thou shall also find a way to prepareth the greeneries sans the fat of pigs or a whole bunch of butter and junk because that’s just gonna counteract the powerful kale magic and then there’s no way you’ll live forever. Sad face.
So here ya go. Learn how to cook kale with this easy and delicious recipe. Sauteed kale with garlic and sesame. It’s quick, it’s easy, it goes with a lot of other stuff, and it has garlic which I guarantee is also on every one of those healthy food lists.
How to Cook Kale Video (scroll down for recipe)
How to Cook Kale with Garlic and Sesame Seeds Recipe
PrintKale with Garlic and Sesame
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 1 bunch fresh kale
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- a few drops toasted sesame oil (optional)
Instructions
- Wash the kale by rinsing or submerging in a bowl of water and swishing it around. Pull the leafy parts from the stems. Discard the stems. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat for a minute.
- Add the garlic and cook only about 15-20 seconds until it starts to smell fragrant. Add the sesame seeds and half the kale.
- Sprinkle with half the salt and toss around a few minutes until kale starts to wilt. Add in remaining kale and continue to cook until it’s softened and reduced in volume by half. It should still be bright green.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame oil. Serve hot or at room temperature.
Notes
Spinach is also delicious this way
For another thing to do with kale, make these Thai flavored kale chips. They’re the bomb.
34 Comments
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Thank you for posting this recipe…I always wondered if kale was good for anything other than a garnish. I tried using it in a salad once and it was awful, I’m guessing probably because it wasn’t prepared right. LOL
You’re welcome, Bonnie! And you’re not alone. I’ve had a few requests from people wanting to know what to do with kale. 🙂
Sprinkle them with a little crushed red pepper flakes and maybe toss them in the pan with some cooked small white cannellini beans.
Yum! Beans! Of course! Thanks, GSF.
I agree about the collard greens! I got really sick one time as a teenager & my Mama made me eat a side of collards with every meal for a MONTH! This kale recipe looks awesome, though!
Oh no! Are you totally sick of collards now, Amy?! 🙂 Hope you like this.
Hilah, I have heard that this substance will make me immortal.
Will this allow me to begin my conquest of Denmark?
As my Nana use to say, ‘Wham, blam, thank you…land…(for this kale).’
You have heard correctly, Zeb. In face, along with a daily intake of Vitamin Squid, you shall be invincible. Denmark doesn’t stand a chance.
I love your recipes and humor Hilah, but I really wish you had a pinterest button so I could add this to my recipe wall 🙁
It’s on our list of things to do! 🙂
This recipe sounds great! I make kale chips which my husband, 6 year old son, and 2 year old daughter all devour.
Oh yeah, kale chips are awesome! Hope you try this one, Kristen!
Dying. I love theez.
haha loved the dr. oz rant, but its so true kale has become such a fad lately. I tried it once at a restaurant and it was prepared raw with some vinegar and i dunno… i couldnt handle it, BUT but this seems really good… i think i’ll give kale a second chance… just for you ( and to live forever!)
Kale can be bitter when it’s raw for sure. I’ve had some kale salads that were great and some that were terrible. I should try coming up with my one. Thanks for writing, Joanna. Good luck on the living forever thing! 😉
Woo gurl I looove me some collard greens. I made them for the first time over Christmas and everyone is hooked (even the kids o_o). My husband had never had neckbones before. Can you believe?
I just made this now and YUM. Basically the same as cooking spinach. And here I was getting all worked up about nothing. Kale chips are next. I wish my supermarket carried them fresh though :/
Heeey Hilah,
Last year, I discovered the joy of cooking Dandelion greens. I thought it was a joke until I actually tried them. Do you want my recipe?
Sure! Thanks!
I just made this and I’m pretty sure I’m going to live forever. Thanks for the great recipe…and the immortality.
You’re gonna live forever! You’re gonna learn how to FLY! 😉
Try cooking kale with coconut milk.
That sounds delicious. Thanks, Marlene!
Oh god, you are hilarious. From the video to the description I think we might be soul-mates..or I just found my new favorite recipe blog.
Either way, that’s a big “Yay!” from me, Lauren. 🙂
I just bought a chinese wok and I can’t try your recipe. Looks delicious, I’m sure my hubby will love this. Thanks a lot! Jen
Perfect use for a wok, Jen!
Roughly how many ounces is 1 bunch of kale destemmed?
Hi Dipti, I’d guess it’s about 9-10 ounces or about 4 cups of torn leaves or about 10 leaves of kale. The exact amount isn’t crucial for this recipe.
Hi Hilah, I’m a caretaker for my wife. Have taken over cooking for the last 2 yrs. The dinners I make are the same every week and boring. I have not included greens because I didn’t know how to cook them. Your recipe for cooking Kale looks simple enough and because of all the health benefits I’m going to the store to buy Kale today. Thanks for keeping it simple.
Hi Rudy,
I’m glad this has inspired you. 🙂 And I’m sure your wife appreciates your cooking. If she has difficulty chewing, you may want to cut the kale smaller before you cook it. Enjoy!
Yesterday I hosted a group of jazz musicians at my home. I made and served this dish as one of the sides. They loved it! The sesame oil added the extra depth that kale needs. This is a keeper! Thanks for a quick yet flavorful offering!
Cool! Happy to hear it 🙂 Thanks, Charlsie!
Can you please put the recipe for kale chips on your site. I need to have a snack that is crispy and not store bought.Thank you.
I have this one that is really good! https://hilahcooking.com/spicy-thai-kale-chips/