🥬 Vegetables · Leafy vegetable

Kale

Robust and earthy leaf with marked bitterness, milder when massaged or cooked.

Kale is a cruciferous vegetable with curly leaves, a slightly bitter and fleshy flavor. It offers a robust mouthfeel with a compact texture. In Mediterranean cuisine, it is mainly used in cooked or braised versions to soften its character, accompanying autumn-winter dishes.

Kale

Best pairings

Classic · the proven matchAroma bridge · a shared aroma links themContrast · opposites balance out
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In the kitchen

Braised in olive oil and garlicOven-roasted with salt and spicesIn rustic soup with root vegetablesPan-sautéed with onion and tomatoAs an accompaniment to braised fish or meat

Signature dishes

Zuppa ToscanaMediterranean Braised CabbageWinter Vegetable SoupVegetable Side for Slow-Cooked Meats

Substitutes

FAQ

What goes with kale?

Kale pairs especially well with olive oil, thyme, garlic, extra virgin olive oil and oregano. A Mediterranean staple; generous oil softens kale's bitterness and enriches its flavor.

When is kale in season?

Best season: winter.

What can I substitute for kale?

If you don't have it, try: cabbage, swiss chard, spinach, escarole.