Creamed Lacinato Kale Recipes

CREAMED KALE

Steps:

• Blanch the kale in lightly salted water until tender, rinse in ice water, drain and cut into 1/2-inch ribbons. In a large saute pan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the kale, cream and nutmeg. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 5 minutes, or until the cream has reduced and thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

LACINATO KALE AND LEEK FLAN

Steps:

• Wash leeks in a bowl of cold water, then lift out and drain well. Cook leeks in butter and oil in a 5- to 6-quart heavy pot over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 6 minutes. Stir in kale and cook, covered, until slightly wilted, about 2 minutes. Add broth and water and simmer, uncovered, until kale is tender, about 8 minutes.
• Purée kale mixture in 2 batches in a blender until very smooth (use caution when blending hot liquids). Pour through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing on and discarding solids.
• Preheat oven to 325°F.
• Bring cream and cheese just to a boil, then remove from heat. Steep, covered, 10 minutes.
• Whisk together whole egg, yolks, and kale purée in a bowl. Pour cream mixture through fine-mesh sieve into kale mixture and whisk to combine. Divide among buttered ramekins and bake, uncovered, in a water bath until set, 30 to 35 minutes (centers will still be slightly wobbly).
• Transfer ramekins with tongs to a rack and cool 5 minutes. If desired, invert custards onto plates by first running a thin sharp knife around edge of each ramekin.

CREAMED KALE WITH PANKO TOPPING

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Working in batches, add some kale to the boiling water and cook until tender, about 4 minutes. Transfer to an ice water bath and then drain in a colander. Place in a salad spinner to remove excess water. Continue to cook and drain remaining batches.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Add pimentos and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add half-and-half and cream and bring to a simmer.
• Remove from the heat. Stir in Gruyere cheese, 1/2 of the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and cayenne. Fold in kale. Transfer to a shallow baking dish and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and panko.
• Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes.