Once you start cooking with Tuscan kale, you’ll never go back! This Italian variety of kale has a sweeter, mild flavor and is easier to prepare. Since it’s now fairly easy to find in grocery stores, Alex and I always recommend this variety to start with. Here’s a way to make it taste irresistibly good: saute it with olive oil and smashed garlic cloves for just a few minutes in a hot pan. In fact, Alex and I have been buying big bunches of Tuscan kale every week just so we can make this. Here’s how to prepare Tuscan kale: and a few other recipes to eat it!
What is Tuscan kale?
Tuscan kale is an Italian variety with a dark green color and mild flavor. You can also find it labeled as Lacinato kale, dinosaur kale, black kale, or cavolo nero (black cabbage in Italian). Why is it called dinosaur kale? Its “scaly” leaves almost resemble dinosaur skin! The leaves are very dark green and flat, compared to curly kale which has frilly, brighter green leaves. The flavor of Tuscan kale is milder and sweeter than curly kale, which can taste bitter and spicy. Tuscan is easier to use in recipes since it’s less bitter, and its stems are more tender than the curly variety.
How to make sauteed Tuscan kale
One of the reasons Alex and I have been making this Tuscan kale on repeat is that it’s so easy. Tuscan kale takes only 3 minutes to cook! There are a few tricks to this recipe that take the flavor the top. Here’s how to make sauteed kale in under 10 minutes (or jump to the full recipe below):
Chop: Destem and chop the kale (see below). Chop the kale into bite-sized pieces. Saute for 3 minutes: Heat olive oil over medium high heat in a large skillet. We like to add smashed garlic cloves at the same time as the kale, which adds a nice subtle flavor. Saute the kale and garlic about 3 minutes, stirring often, until the leaves wilted and bright green. Season: Remove from the heat and add salt and pepper. That’s it! Perfect sauteed Tuscan kale that works as a tasty side dish for any meal.
Mix-ins: adders to step it up!
This sauteed Tuscan kale is delicious as is: but here are a few ways to step it up a notch!
Toasted pine nuts: Pine nuts are used in Italian-style recipes as a garnish. While they’re a little pricey, they add a nutty flavor that can’t be easily replicated! Toasted pine nuts add a bit of glam (like in this Sauteed Rainbow Chard recipe).Shredded Parmesan or Pecorino cheese: Just a little aged cheese also takes it up a notch! Pecorino Romano cheese is our favorite: and a little goes a long way. It gives a big hit of savory, salty flavor.
You can serve this Tuscan kale as a side dish, or make it part of a main! Add it to a grain bowl with a grain like quinoa or farro, a protein like chickpeas, & and lemon tahini sauce.
A few more recipes starring Tuscan kale!
There are lots of other ways to eat Tuscan kale! Here are our favorites:
How to chop kale
The only technique you’ll need to know to make this Tuscan kale recipe is how to chop kale! Here’s all you need to know about how to chop it into the bite-sized pieces needed for this recipe. We’ve also got a video: see below!
Tuscan kale nutrition
Lastly: why eat kale? So many reasons! Leafy greens like kale are some of the healthiest foods you can eat!
Kale is full of nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber. 1 cup of raw kale has 33 calories, 6 grams of carbs (2 of which are fiber), and 3 grams of protein. Because of its low calorie content, kale is among the most nutrient-dense foods on earth. Eating more of this cruciferous vegetable is a great way to increase the total nutrient content of your diet.
This recipe is…
Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free. 5 from 1 review
