African-Style Braised Kale And Tomatoes
Delicious African-style braised kale and tomatoes. I first made this dish after my friend from South Africa brought this dish to a potluck.
It was gone in minutes, and after talking to her, I couldn’t believe the simplicity of the dish. This is basically my version of it and I get the same lovely reaction when I serve it. Just like my Southern-Style Collard Greens and Jamaican Callaloo.
What is Braised Kale
Braising is done by first sauteing the kale lightly then stewing it slowing in closed cookware. Kale softens its tough texture and sweetens its bitter flavor as it is braised.
Braising was traditionally reserved for tough cuts of meat but works amazing for kale.
Adding tomatoes also help with flavor, extra liquid as they break down.
Ingredients For Braised Kale
- Olive Oil: Serves as the cooking base, providing a healthy fat that enhances the natural flavors of the other ingredients and helps to soften the onion and tomatoes during sautéing.
- Onion: Adds a foundational savory depth that becomes sweet when caramelized, enriching the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Tomatoes: Contribute juiciness and a slight acidity, which balances the earthiness of the kale and helps to create a richer, more robust sauce.
- Kale: The star of the dish, kale offers a hearty texture and a slightly bitter flavor, which is mellowed and sweetened by the cooking process. It’s also packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K.
- Vegetable Broth: Provides the liquid necessary for braising, helping to tenderize the kale while infusing it with additional flavors. It also forms a light sauce that enhances the dish’s overall moistness and taste.
- Salt: An essential seasoning, it heightens the natural flavors of the vegetables and helps to balance the sweetness and acidity of the tomatoes.
How To Make African-Style Braised Kale And Tomatoes
First, place kale in a large bowl of water with a half a teaspoon of salt to loosen dirt or debris.
Drain and rinse kale in a colander. Prep kale by removing the stems and tearing them into 2-inch pieces.
If your kale is tender then it is okay to keep the stems for added fiber and chop the kale in 1-inch pieces.
Saute onion in olive oil until soft, add tomatoes and saute until soft. Stir in kale and cook until wilted, add vegetable broth and cover to cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
Season with salt and serve. I like to keep my kale crunchy so sometimes I braise mine for less than 10 minutes. It is delicious served with Lentil Meatballs, Baked Plantains, Smothered Tofu And Jollof Rice.
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African-Style Braised Kale And Tomatoes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 medium tomatoes chopped
- 1 pound kale stems removed, leaves coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and saute until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and cook until soften and releasing its juices. Stir in kale leaves and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Add vegetable broth, cover with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low and cook until kale is tender, about 10-15 minutes. Season with salt and serve.
These look interesting and would love to try these African styles. Thank you for sharing!
There is nothing I love more than a good recipe like this one!
aww thank you!
Kale is not too popular in our home and I believe you can guess why :) I’m not totally giving up on kale though because it’s really nutritious. Using tomatoes can greatly enhance the flavor of kale, and temper the strong bitter taste. Thanks for the recipe!
Kale and tomatoes are such a great combination. I haven’t had this dish before and it sounds wonderful. So healthy too!
Hihi….this is exactly how I like anything green to me! I am not a regular with kale. I look forward to enjoying it soon.
hope you end up liking it. let me know when you get to try it out.