Quick Kale With Bacon: A Flavorful and Speedy Side Dish

There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish that’s both incredibly simple and deeply satisfying. For me, that’s precisely what this Quick Kale with Bacon delivers. I first stumbled upon this gem years ago, tucked away in an issue of Bon Appétit, and it quickly became a staple in my culinary repertoire. It’s the kind of dish I can whip up on a weeknight when I’m craving something vibrant and flavorful, yet don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The way the slightly bitter kale softens and melds with the smoky, salty crunch of bacon is pure magic. It’s the perfect foil for rich pork chops or a creamy risotto, bringing a much-needed brightness and texture to the plate.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 4 servings
• Dietary Type: Not specified (can be adapted)

Ingredients

• 8 ounces bacon, coarsely chopped
• 2 shallots, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 bunches kale, stems cut away, leaves torn into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Equipment Needed

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towels
• Bowl

Instructions

This recipe is all about building layers of flavor with minimal effort. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, treated with care, can yield spectacular results.

1. Begin by placing the coarsely chopped bacon into a large pot or Dutch oven. Set the heat to medium. Cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until it is crisp and brown. This process will render out the fat, which is essential for sautéing the aromatics later.
2. Once the bacon has reached your desired level of crispness, use a slotted spoon to carefully transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. This allows the excess grease to drain, ensuring the bacon stays delightfully crispy.
3. After removing the bacon, discard all but 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon drippings from the pot. This reserved fat is liquid gold, brimming with smoky bacon essence, and will form the flavor base for the kale.
4. To the pot with the reserved drippings, add the chopped shallots. Sauté them over medium-high heat until they become tender. This usually takes about 2 minutes. Shallots offer a delicate sweetness that’s more nuanced than onions, and they cook down beautifully.
5. Next, add the chopped garlic cloves to the pot with the shallots. Continue to sauté for another 2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to soften. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can impart a bitter flavor.
6. Now, introduce the kale to the pot. Make sure you’ve removed the tough stems and torn the leaves into roughly 1-inch pieces. Add the 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth to the pot as well.
7. Cover the pot and allow the kale to cook until it wilts and is almost tender. This stage typically takes about 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to help the kale absorb the flavorful broth.
8. After the initial cooking period, uncover the pot. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the kale is tender and most of the broth has cooked away. This second phase of cooking usually takes about 12 minutes longer. This is where the kale really softens and absorbs any remaining liquid, concentrating its flavor.
9. Once the kale has reached your desired tenderness and the liquid has mostly evaporated, season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the bacon will add saltiness, so taste before adding too much.
10. Finally, transfer the cooked kale to a serving bowl. Sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon over the top just before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Kale Prep is Key: Don’t underestimate the importance of de-stemming the kale. The stems are fibrous and can be tough to chew. Tearing the leaves into bite-sized pieces ensures they cook evenly and are pleasant to eat.
• Bacon Fat Vigilance: While the bacon fat is crucial for flavor, be mindful of how much you leave in the pan. Too much can make the final dish greasy. Two tablespoons is the perfect amount to coat the shallots and garlic without overwhelming the kale.
• Broth Control: Using low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. If you prefer, vegetable broth or even water can be used, but chicken broth adds a subtle depth.
• Tenderizing Kale: If you find your kale is still a bit tough after the initial 12 minutes of covered cooking, don’t hesitate to let it go a few minutes longer, uncovered. The goal is tender, not crisp.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Quick Kale with Bacon is a wonderfully versatile side dish. It shines when served alongside roasted pork chops, grilled chicken, or a hearty steak. It’s also a fantastic accompaniment to creamy risottos or pasta dishes.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the kale in a skillet over medium-low heat, or microwave until heated through. For best results, add the reserved bacon just before serving to maintain its crispness.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	338.6 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	242 g	–
Total Fat	27 g	41%
Saturated Fat	8.8 g	44%
Cholesterol	38.6 mg	12%
Sodium	553 mg	23%
Total Carbohydrate	14.1 g	4%
Dietary Fiber	2 g	8%
Sugars	0.2 g	0%
Protein	12.6 g	25%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and quantities used.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also a wonderful canvas for creativity:

• Smoky Vegan Twist: For a vegetarian or vegan version, omit the bacon and use smoked paprika and a touch of liquid smoke for that smoky depth. Sauté the shallots and garlic in olive oil instead of bacon drippings.
• A Touch of Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a subtle kick.
• Nutty Crunch: Toasted slivered almonds or pine nuts make a delightful addition for extra texture and flavor.
• Acidic Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can lift the flavors beautifully.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of greens besides kale?
A: Absolutely! Swiss chard or collard greens would also work well, though they may require slightly different cooking times.

Q: Is it important to use low-sodium chicken broth?
A: Using low-sodium broth gives you more control over the final saltiness of the dish, as bacon itself is quite salty.

Q: How can I make this dish more substantial?
A: You can add cooked white beans or chickpeas to the kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added protein and fiber.

Q: My kale is still a bit tough. What can I do?
A: Continue cooking the kale, uncovered, until it reaches your desired tenderness. Sometimes, the thickness of the leaves can affect the cooking time.

Q: Can I prepare the kale ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the kale up to the point of seasoning and storing it. Add the bacon and final seasoning just before serving for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Quick Kale with Bacon is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary shortcut to a dish that feels both wholesome and indulgent. It’s proof that simple ingredients, treated with a little care and a lot of flavor, can transform an ordinary meal into something truly special. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, especially when you’re looking for a vibrant, flavorful, and quick side dish that’s guaranteed to impress. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a kitchen wizard, even on the busiest of nights. Enjoy the delightful interplay of smoky bacon and tender greens – it’s a combination that never fails to satisfy.