19 Southern Recipe For Cooking Kale Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Apr 25, 2024
Kale has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its numerous health benefits and versatility in cooking. While this leafy green vegetable is available year-round, it is especially abundant in the Southern United States. In this article, we will explore a traditional Southern recipe for cooking kale that will have you enjoying this nutrient-packed vegetable in a whole new way.
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Broth, Spanish Onion, Garlic, Kale, Sharp
If you're a fan of comfort food, then this recipe is for you. Smothered Two-Cheese Grits & Greens combines the creamy goodness of two types of cheese with the savory flavors of southern greens. It's the perfect side dish to accompany your beer can chicken, adding a little extra southern charm to your meal.
Black-eyed peas are a staple in southern cuisine, and this recipe takes them to the next level. Slow-cooked with bacon, onions, and spices, these peas are bursting with flavor. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a hearty and delicious meal.
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Southern Mixed Greens & Turnips
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Yellow Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic, Seasoning
This dish is a classic in southern households, and for good reason. The combination of mixed greens and turnips creates a depth of flavor that is hard to resist. Add some bacon for a touch of smokiness and you have the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken.
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Southern Style Cornbread Panzanella
Main Ingredients: Cornbread, Delicata Squash, Bacon, Butter, Sage Leaves
If you're looking for a unique way to use up your leftover cornbread, this recipe is a must-try. Crumbled cornbread is mixed with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and basil to create a southern twist on the classic Italian panzanella salad. It's a light and refreshing side dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
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Southern-Style Beer Braised Kale with Bacon
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Vidalia Onion, Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes, Kale
Kale may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of southern cooking, but this recipe will change that. Slowly braised in beer and bacon fat, this kale is tender and full of flavor. It's a delicious and nutritious addition to your beer can chicken dinner.
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Southern Kale Salad with Smoky Ranch
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Oil, Salt, Pepper, Black Eyed Peas, Bbq
If you're in the mood for a lighter side dish, this kale salad is the perfect choice. The crispness of the kale is balanced by the creaminess of the smoky ranch dressing, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. Plus, it's a great way to sneak some greens into your meal.
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Southern Ham and Kale Hot Dish
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Kale, Garlic, Cayenne Pepper, Ham
This hot dish is a southern twist on the classic casserole. Ham, kale, and a creamy sauce are baked together to create a comforting and flavorful side dish. It's a great way to add some protein and vegetables to your beer can chicken dinner.
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Green Gumbo
Main Ingredients: Peanut Oil, Flour, Chopped Onion, Chopped Green Bell
This vegetarian gumbo is a great option for those looking for a meatless side dish. Packed with okra, collard greens, and black-eyed peas, it's a flavorful and hearty addition to any meal. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a well-rounded and satisfying dinner.
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Southern Summer Salad
Main Ingredients: Thick Sliced Bacon, Peach, Grape Tomatoes, Baby Kale
If you're looking for a light and refreshing side dish, this salad is the perfect choice. Made with fresh summer vegetables like corn, tomatoes, and cucumbers, it's a colorful and flavorful addition to any meal. Serve it with your beer can chicken for a taste of summer on your plate.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
No southern meal is complete without a side of cornbread, and this recipe is the real deal. Baked in a cast iron skillet, this cornbread has a crispy crust and a soft and fluffy center. It's the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken and will have you coming back for seconds.
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Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas with Kale and Garlic
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Sweet Onion, Garlic, Kale, Chili
This recipe is a great option for those busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without all the fuss. Simply throw all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do all the work. The result is tender black-eyed peas with garlicky kale that pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken.
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Gumbo Z’herbes (Louisiana Gumbo with Herbs)
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, All Purpose Flour, Yellow Onions
This gumbo is a traditional Louisiana dish that is full of flavor and herbs. It's a great way to add some variety to your beer can chicken dinner and will transport you straight to the heart of Cajun country. Serve it with some rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
This classic southern dish is a must-try for any fan of comfort food. Chicken is smothered in a rich and savory gravy and served over rice. It's a hearty and delicious side dish that will take your beer can chicken to the next level.
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Scarf Down Spicy Savory Cheddar Grits With Veggies
Main Ingredients: Grits, Butter, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Clove, Hot Sauce
If you're a fan of spicy food, then this recipe is for you. Creamy cheddar grits are kicked up a notch with the addition of spicy peppers and vegetables. It's a flavorful and satisfying side dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
No southern meal is complete without a side of collard greens. Cooked with bacon and spices, these greens are tender and full of flavor. They're the perfect complement to your beer can chicken and will have you feeling like you're dining in the heart of the south.
This classic southern dish is a must-have for any holiday meal. Made with crumbled cornbread, sausage, and vegetables, it's a hearty and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. And don't be surprised if it becomes a new family favorite.
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Black Eyed Pea Soup
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Smoked Turkey, Kale, Onion, Carrots
This soup is a great option for those looking for a lighter side dish. Black-eyed peas are simmered with vegetables and spices to create a flavorful and comforting soup. Serve it with your beer can chicken for a satisfying and well-balanced meal.
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Crispy Collards and Kale
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Collard Greens, Kale, Sea Salt, Freshly
If you're a fan of crispy greens, then this recipe is a must-try. Collard greens and kale are sautéed until crispy and then tossed with a flavorful dressing. It's a unique and delicious side dish that will add some crunch to your beer can chicken dinner.
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Instant Pot Hoppin
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Medium Onion, Ham, Butter, Garlic
This southern classic is made even easier with the help of an Instant Pot. Hoppin' John is a dish made with black-eyed peas, rice, and pork. It's full of flavor and pairs perfectly with beer can chicken for a southern-inspired meal.
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Cajun Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits
Main Ingredients: Shrimp, Cajun Seasoning, Frozen Cauliflower, Garlic
This recipe is a great option for those looking for a low-carb side dish. Creamy cauliflower grits are topped with spicy Cajun shrimp for a dish that is full of flavor and protein. It's a delicious and unique way to complement your beer can chicken.
The Health Benefits of Kale
Kale is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This leafy green is high in vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and bone health. It also contains high levels of vitamin A, C, and B6, as well as calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Furthermore, kale is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect against chronic diseases and reduce inflammation in the body. With all of these health benefits, it's no wonder why kale has become a staple in Southern cooking.
Traditional Southern Recipe for Cooking Kale
One of the most popular ways to prepare kale in the South is to sauté it with bacon and onions. To start, cook a few slices of bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet. Next, add diced onions to the pan and cook until they are translucent. Then, add chopped kale leaves to the skillet and stir until they are coated in the bacon grease. Cover the pan and let the kale cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the kale is wilted, crumble the cooked bacon over the top and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors.
Adding a Southern Twist
For an extra touch of Southern flavor, you can add hot sauce or apple cider vinegar to the kale while it's cooking. This will give the dish a tangy and slightly spicy kick. You can also experiment with different types of seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper to add even more depth of flavor to your kale.
Other Ways to Enjoy Southern Kale
Aside from the traditional sautéed kale recipe, there are many other ways to enjoy this leafy green in the South. Some popular options include adding it to soups, stews, and casseroles, or even blending it into smoothies for a nutrient-packed boost. You can also use kale as a substitute for lettuce in salads or as a topping for pizzas.
In conclusion, kale is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that has been a staple in Southern cooking for generations. By using this traditional recipe, you can enjoy the many health benefits of kale while also indulging in the flavors of the South. So next time you're at the grocery store, be sure to pick up some kale and give this recipe a try. Your taste buds and your body will thank you.
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