Dino Kale Recipes: A Nutritious and Delicious Exploration

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 bunch dino (lacinato) kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
2. 2 tablespoons olive oil
3. 3 cloves garlic, minced
4. 1 onion, diced
5. 1 cup cooked quinoa
6. 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
7. 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
8. 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
9. Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Steps to Cook:

1. Prepare the Kale:

   • Wash the dino kale thoroughly and pat it dry.
   • Remove the tough stems by holding the leaf at the base and gently pulling the stem away. Discard the stems.
   • Chop the kale leaves into bite-sized pieces.

2. Sauté the Garlic and Onion:

   • In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

3. Cook the Kale:

   • Add the chopped dino kale to the pan with the garlic and onion.
   • Sauté the kale for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it’s wilted and tender.

4. Add the Quinoa and Tomatoes:

   • Stir in the cooked quinoa and the halved cherry tomatoes.
   • Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the tomatoes are slightly softened.

5. Season and Serve:

   • Season the dino kale mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
   • Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts and grated Parmesan cheese (if using) over the top.
   • Serve the dino kale dish warm, either as a main course or a side dish.

Cook’s Note:

• For a more substantial meal, you can add cooked chickpeas, grilled chicken, or sautéed shrimp to the dino kale mixture.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or plain Greek yogurt at the end of the cooking process.
• Experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, if you don’t have pine nuts on hand.
• Adjust the seasoning to your personal taste, adding more salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated before serving, making it a great option for meal prep or busy weeknights.

Enjoy this nutritious and flavorful dino kale recipe!