Spicy Sautéed Kale

This Spicy Sautéed Kale Recipe is a great side dish made with kale, hot cherry pepper, garlic, olive oil and salt. 

Sautéed kale is that it is a versatile and delicious vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you prefer it as a side dish, incorporated into a stir-fry or pasta dish, or even as a topping for pizza, sautéed kale can add a nutritious and flavorful element to your meals. It's also a great option for those who are looking to eat healthier, as kale is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can support overall health and well-being. Additionally, sautéed kale is easy to prepare and can be seasoned with a variety of different herbs, spices, and sauces to suit your taste preferences.

Kale is the most nutrient dense foods and loaded with antioxidants. It is an excellent source of Vitamin C and is proven to lower cholesterol. This hearty spicy kale goes well with honestly everything! If you like this kale, free free to try my Easy Vegetarian Lo Mein and my Air Fried Bok Choy.

Jump to:

• Health Benefits of Kale
• Why you will love Sauteed kale with cherry peppers
• Ingredients
• How to make Spicy Sautéed Kale Recipe
• Substitutions
• Sautéed Kale Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Sautéed Kale
• Sautéed Kale Recipe Top tips
• Spicy Sautéed Kale

Health Benefits of Kale

Kale is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that is packed with a variety of health benefits. Here are some of the top health benefits of kale:

• Rich in nutrients: Kale is low in calories but high in nutrients. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
• High in antioxidants: Kale contains a variety of antioxidants, including flavonoids and carotenoids, which can help to protect the body against oxidative damage.
• Anti-inflammatory: Kale contains compounds like kaempferol and quercetin, which have anti-inflammatory properties. This can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like arthritis and heart disease.
• Supports heart health: Kale is high in fiber, which can help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. It also contains compounds like sulforaphane, which may help to reduce inflammation in the arteries and improve blood flow.
• Supports bone health: Kale is an excellent source of vitamin K, which is essential for bone health. It helps to improve calcium absorption and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
• Supports eye health: Kale is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which are carotenoids that are important for eye health. They can help to protect the eyes against age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
• Supports digestion: Kale is high in fiber, which can help to support healthy digestion and reduce the risk of constipation.

Why you will love Sauteed kale with cherry peppers

Here are some reasons why you will love sautéed kale with cherry peppers:

• Delicious flavor: Sautéed kale with cherry peppers has a delicious flavor profile that is both savory and slightly spicy. The sweetness of the cherry peppers balances out the bitterness of the kale, creating a perfectly balanced dish.
• Nutritious: Kale is a highly nutritious vegetable that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Cherry peppers are also a good source of vitamin C, which can help to boost your immune system.
• Easy to make: Sautéed kale with cherry peppers is a quick and easy dish that can be made in just a few minutes. It requires minimal ingredients and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
• Versatile: Sautéed kale with cherry peppers can be served as a side dish or incorporated into other recipes, such as omelets, pasta dishes, or grain bowls.
• Low in calories: Kale is a low-calorie vegetable that can help to fill you up without adding extra calories to your diet. This makes sautéed kale with cherry peppers a great option for those who are looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
• Anti-inflammatory: Both kale and cherry peppers contain anti-inflammatory compounds that can help to reduce inflammation in the body. This can help to improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Ingredients

• Fresh kale
• Hot Cherry Peppers in a jar
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Salt

See recipe card for quantities.

How to make Spicy Sautéed Kale Recipe

Hint: Keep the pot covered and on the lowest heat possible.

Substitutions

Cherry peppers: You will need a combination of the hot and sweet cherry peppers. If you prefer the spicy cherry peppers, feel free to use more of the hot ones.

Kale: Kale works best for this, although escarole and chard works too, as long as you chop up the greens. I have used spinach for this recipe, although you only need to cook for 10 minutes for that. 

Olive oil: I used good quality extra virgin olive oil.

Sautéed Kale Recipe Variations

Kale is a versatile vegetable that can be used in many different recipes, including sautéed kale. Here are some sautéed kale recipe variations to try:

• Garlic and Lemon: Sauté kale in olive oil with minced garlic and lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor.
• Ginger and Soy: Add some Asian-inspired flavors to your sautéed kale by cooking it in sesame oil with minced ginger and soy sauce.
• Bacon and Onion: Fry some bacon in a pan and use the rendered fat to cook chopped onions and kale until tender. This creates a savory and smoky flavor that pairs well with the bitterness of the kale.
• Tomato and Basil: Add diced tomatoes and chopped fresh basil to your sautéed kale for a burst of fresh flavor.
• Curry Spiced: Cook kale in coconut oil with curry powder, cumin, and coriander for a warm and spicy flavor.
• Balsamic and Honey: Sauté kale with olive oil and minced garlic, then drizzle with balsamic vinegar and honey for a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Sesame and Miso: Cook kale in sesame oil and add miso paste and sesame seeds for a savory, umami flavor.

Check out these Pressure Cooked Artichokes.

Equipment

Sautéed kale is a simple and easy recipe that doesn't require any special equipment. Here are some basic tools you'll need to make sautéed kale:

1. Large skillet with lid: You'll need a large, deep skillet or pot.
2. Chef's knife and cutting board: Use a sharp chef's knife and a sturdy cutting board to chop the kale and cherry peppers into bite-sized pieces.
3. Tongs or spatula: Use tongs or a spatula to stir and flip the kale as it cooks.
4. Garlic press (optional): If you're adding minced garlic to your sautéed kale, a garlic press can make the job easier and quicker.
5. Measuring spoons: Use measuring spoons to add the right amount of oil and seasoning to the kale.

How to store Sautéed Kale

To store sautéed kale, follow these simple steps:

1. Allow the sautéed kale to cool down to room temperature before storing.
2. Transfer the kale to an airtight container. Glass containers with a tight-fitting lid are ideal.
3. Place the container in the refrigerator.
4. The sautéed kale can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

When you're ready to reheat the kale, you can either microwave it or heat it up in a skillet on the stove. Enjoy!

Sautéed Kale Recipe Top tips

• Use fresh kale: Choose fresh, vibrant kale leaves for the best flavor and texture. Avoid wilted or yellowed leaves, as they may have a bitter taste.
• Remove the tough stems: Kale stems can be tough and fibrous, so it's best to remove them before cooking. Simply hold the kale by the stem and pull the leaves off.
• Cut kale into bite-sized pieces: Cut the kale leaves into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Use flavorful seasonings: Kale has a slightly bitter taste, so it's important to season it well. You can use garlic, onion, salt, pepper, or your favorite seasoning blend to add flavor to the dish.
• Add a splash of acid: Adding a splash of acid, such as the juice from the cherry pepper jar, can help to balance out the bitterness of the kale and add brightness to the dish.
• Add some texture: For added texture, try tossing in some toasted nuts or seeds, such as pine nuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds.

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