I was in Illinois this past weekend for a family event and got to spend every single minute with my sister and niece who I just don’t see enough of.  I love a weekend get away as much as the next person but it can take a lot out of you.  After flying home yesterday afternoon, I was ready to put on my jammies and climb under the covers before the sun had even set.  I was exhausted and hungry and since I’ve been on a routine of doing all of my cooking on the weekends, I had nothing to eat.  I turned to my good ol’ stand by, a fried egg sandwich.  Looking for a quick side, I whipped up some Garlicky Kale (adapted from Garlicky Swiss Chard).

Fresh kale is cooked and steamed with nothing more than olive oil, garlic, red pepper flake and salt.  What a better way to eat your green leafy vegetables, especially when you can probably benefit from some of it’s vitamins?  Light, garlicky and slightly spicy, this is a simple and healthy side dish that comes together fast.  Whether you eat this with eggs or something more substantial like meat or pasta, this is a good, quick go-to that can easily be switched up with any leafy green like spinach, swiss chard or collard greens.

The ingredients:

Wash kale pieces and place in a bowl (or use prewashed bagged kale to save some time).  In a large lidded pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.  Add garlic and red pepper flakes to pan. Cook 1 to 2 minutes, being careful not to burn garlic.

Stir in greens and increase heat to medium-high; place lid on pot and cook 2 minutes.  Remove lid and stir with tongs.  Replace lid for 2 more minutes.  Remove lid, stir and cook for 2 more minutes, uncovered.  Greens should be bright green.

Stir in salt.

Additions:  None

Omissions:  None

Substitutions:

• Kale
• Jarred minced garlic

Overall Rating:  Like It

Source:  Family Circle Magazine