Name: Braised Kale Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 medium shallot ((sliced thin)); 2 bunches curly kale ((trimmed and chopped coarsely)); 1/2 cup dried cherries; 1/2 cup soft apple cider; 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar; sea salt ((as needed))

Years ago, I catered farm-to-table dinners. This braised kale recipe was always a favorite in the autumn when hardy greens were plentiful and the apple season had just begun.

You start by sautéing shallots in a little olive oil before dropping in chopped kale. Dousing the greens with fresh, sweet apple cider allows them to wilt, turning deliciously sweet. While dried cherries bring a beautiful sweet-tart element.

braised kale with cherries on a white plate

Why You'll Love It

It's fast. This recipe comes together in about 20 minutes.

Kale is a micronutrient powerhouse. It's packed with vitamin C, carotenoids, fiber, antioxidants, and minerals such as calcium and potassium.

It's delicious. Sweet cider and tart cherries bring a vibrant seasonal element to classic braised kale.

Key Ingredients + Substitutions

Kale is a hardy, cold-weather green. You can often find it at farmers' markets in the autumn and winter. Any variety of kale works in this recipe, but red kale is my favorite. I love its rich green color and pops of purple.

Shallots are perfect for adding a savory element. You can swap in half of a red or yellow onion if you don't have shallots.

Dried Cherries bring a beautiful, sweet element to the kale.

Apple Cider adds an element of sweetness and helps to soften the greens, allowing them to wilt quickly in the pan's heat. You can also use apple juice or hard apple cider.

Apple Cider Vinegar adds acidity. It helps balance the cider's sweetness and the kale's earthy green notes.

Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to fat for cooking. You only need a little to help break down the onions. Bacon fat is equally delicious.

Tips

Remember, this recipe calls for both sweet apple cider and apple cider vinegar. Be careful not to confuse them.

Rate this Recipe

6 servings

Braised Kale Recipe

Braising hardy greens with sweet apple cider, dried cherries, and a splash of apple cider vinegar creates a tender, flavorful dish with a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.

Prep Time20

Total Time20

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Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 medium shallot (sliced thin)
2 bunches curly kale (trimmed and chopped coarsely)
½ cup dried cherries
½ cup soft apple cider
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
sea salt (as needed)

Equipment

Braising Pan (or wide skillet)

Instructions

Warm the olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat, then stir in the sliced shallot. Cook the shallot in the oil until fragrant and softened - about 6 minutes.
Add the kale to the pan, and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until slightly wilted. Add the cherries, and then pour in the apple cider. Turn the heat down to medium and continue stirring until the kale is wilted. Drizzle in the apple cider vinegar, season with salt as needed, and serve warm.

Variations

Try hard apple cider. Hard apple cider is less sweet and lends this dish a delicate, boozy note.

Add chopped apples at the same time that you add the kale.

Diced bacon is a nice addition, too. It lends a smoky, savory element.

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