Braised Tuscan Kale With Pancetta And Caramelized Onions Recipes

BRAISED KALE

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the chopped pancetta and cook until crispy, 2-3 minutes. Add the onion and garlic and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add the greens and wilt them down, tossing frequently. Sprinkle in the sugar, toss, then deglaze the pan with vinegar and add in 1/2 cup stock. Reduce heat to low and let the kale mellow a few minutes.

KALE WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS AND GARLIC

Steps:

• Heat oil in large pan.
• Add chopped onions and garlic.
• Sauté until onions are clear and begin to caramelize. Stir often. Do not allow garlic to burn.
• Add torn kale.
• Toss with onions and garlic.
• Cook until kale is wilted.
• Sprinkle with a tiny bit of balsamic vinegar if desired.
• (Thanks reviewers for reminding me of removing the stems!).

BRAISED TUSCAN KALE WITH PANCETTA AND CARAMELIZED ONIONS

Steps:

• Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Cut out a round of parchment paper to fit just inside a 5- to 6-quart heavy ovenproof pot, then set round aside.
• Blanch kale in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water in 2 batches, 2 minutes per batch, transferring with tongs to a colander as blanched, then drain well.
• Warm oil in 5- to 6-quart pot over moderate heat, then add pancetta and cook, stirring frequently, until crisp, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer pancetta with a slotted spoon to a plate and reserve, discarding all but 1/4 cup of fat in pot (if necessary).
• Tie thyme, bay leaf, and parsley together with kitchen string to make a bouquet garni and add to pot along with onions and garlic. Cook over moderate heat, stirring frequently, until onions are golden brown, about 20 minutes. Return pancetta to pot then add butter and heat, stirring occasionally, until melted. Stir in kale and add enough stock to cover three fourths of kale. Increase heat to high and bring to a simmer. Cover kale directly with parchment round, then transfer pot to oven and braise, stirring once or twice, until kale is very tender, about 45 minutes.
• Transfer pot to stovetop and discard parchment, then boil mixture, stirring occasionally, until almost all of liquid is evaporated but kale is still moist, about 35 minutes. Discard bouquet garni and garlic and season kale with salt and pepper.