How long does it take to boil kale?

For chopped or shredded leaves, put in a pan of water 1cm deep with a pinch of salt, then bring to the boil and simmer for up to 5 minutes, until wilted. Drain thoroughly. You can stir-fry kale, too.

How do you know when kale is done cooking?

Look for firm, fresh leaves; pass on those that are flaccid or yellowy. Whether you steam, braise, or blanch and then sauté kale, know that it needs thorough cooking: Unlike delicate greens that are ready to eat when heat sets in, kale will be unpleasantly chewy if only barely cooked.

How do you boil curly kale?

Method 1 of 4: Boiling Curly Kale

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. …
2. Submerge the kale leaves in the boiling water. …
3. Cover the kale and simmer it for 5-8 minutes over medium heat. …
4. Check the kale for doneness at 5 minutes. …
5. Drain the boiled kale in a colander.

How do you make kale tender?

Instructions

1. Remove stems from leaves. Discard stems.
2. Chop kale leaves and place in a large bowl.
3. Add a generous drizzle of olive oil and about 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice. …
4. Massage with your hands for 1-2 minutes, until softened and tender. …
5. Now, your kale is ready to be used for salads.

Can you overcook kale?

And while greens like spinach and chard readily suffer from overcooking, stewed kale has a sweet flavor. Kale can be simmered for long periods, or it can be blanched and then quickly pan-cooked in olive oil.

Why kale is bad for you?

Raw kale may be more nutritious, but it may also harm your thyroid function. Kale, along with other cruciferous vegetables, contains a high amount of goitrogens, which are compounds that can interfere with thyroid function ( 8 ). Specifically, raw kale contains a type of goitrogen called goitrins.

What is the healthiest way to cook kale?

Go Steamed or Raw



Each 1-cup serving of cooked kale has 53 milligrams of vitamin C, while 1 cup of raw kale has 80 milligrams. If you’re concerned about increasing your vitamin C intake, cut kale only just before you plan on using it. Cook it by steaming instead of boiling, or use it raw.

Can I just boil kale?

Kale is most commonly boiled or steamed. … For chopped or shredded leaves, put in a pan of water 1cm deep with a pinch of salt, then bring to the boil and simmer for up to 5 minutes, until wilted. Drain thoroughly. You can stir-fry kale, too.

Can you drink the water from boiled kale?

Vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals and fiber, and are quite low in calories when prepared correctly. … The leftover water after cooking leafy greens like spinach and lettuce and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and kale also contains nutrients and can be used in other recipes.

What is curly kale used for?

Curly kale.



It is about the same color as broccoli. This type of kale has a bitter, peppery flavor when eaten raw, and holds up well to sautéing and other cooking methods.

How do you cook kale so it’s not bitter?

Minced garlic, olive oil, and salt are also simple ingredients that can transform the flavor of a bitter kale dish. Cutting the stem of kale and marinating it with olive oil and salt can help reduce bitterness. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 24 hours for better tenderness and less bitterness.

Is cooked kale still good for you?

As for the healthiest method for cooking kale, the research is mixed. “Cancer studies seem to show that raw kale is more beneficial than cooked, while cholesterol studies seem to show that steamed kale is more beneficial than raw,” says Harris, who recommends a bit of both in your diet.

Why is my kale so tough?

Everybody’s favorite leafy green vegetable can be a bit of a tough customer: One of the things that makes kale good for you—all that fiber—is the very reason it can be chewy and dense. Cooked, that’s no problem, but the raw-kale salad is a particularly hazardous form.