Healthy and Flavorful: Irish Kale With Cream Recipe
Greetings my fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I am excited to share with you a delectable Irish recipe that will surely tickle your taste buds. This recipe is none other than the mouth-watering “Irish Kale With Cream.” This traditional Irish dish, also known as creamed kale or colcannon irish mashed potatoes kale, is a comforting and satisfying side dish that will complete any meal.
Kale, often referred to as a superfood, has numerous health benefits, making it a great addition to any diet. Studies seem to show that kale is beneficial for digestion and is packed with essential vitamins and minerals. But don’t let the health benefits of kale scare you away – this dish is the perfect way to incorporate this leafy green into your diet while indulging in rich and creamy flavors.
This recipe, inspired by the famous Donal Skehan’s Irish Creamed Kale Ingredients recipe, uses simple ingredients such as butter, heavy cream, and nutmeg to create a creamy mashed potato base blended with tender kale leaves. The combination of crispy bacon and spring onions adds an extra zing of flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of the dish.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a Saint Patrick’s Day celebration or want to switch up your traditional side dishes, this velvety kale recipe will be a hit; it might even become your new go-to side dish.
Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of serving the same old side dishes with every meal? Do you want to impress your guests with a rich and creamy side that they won’t forget? Look no further than this Irish Kale with Cream recipe.
Not only is kale beneficial for your health (studies seem to show its anti-inflammatory properties), but it can also be a delicious addition to any meal. This dish, made famous by chef Donal Skehan, elevates ordinary kale into something truly extraordinary.
With just a few simple ingredients – kale, cream, butter – this recipe creates a hearty and creamy side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The heavy cream adds richness and depth of flavor, while the butter gives the dish an irresistible savory note. Nutmeg is the secret ingredient that adds a unique warmth and subtle spiciness to this recipe.
And the best part? This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a traditional Irish side dish alongside corned beef for St. Patrick’s Day or as a hearty side for Sunday brunch. You can even use it as a topping for baked potatoes or as a filling for savory pies.
So, next time you want to elevate your dinner game, give this Irish Kale with Cream recipe a try. Trust me, it’ll have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Irish Kale with Cream recipe:
- 1 bunch of kale, tough stalks removed and shredded
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 4 spring onions, finely shredded
- 1 ⅓ cup of heavy cream
- Salt and pepper
This recipe captures the true essence of traditional Irish colcannon mashed potatoes with kale, a popular side dish in Ireland. The main ingredient is, of course, kale – studies seem to show that this leafy green is incredibly beneficial for our health, so incorporating it into our meals whenever possible is always a great idea. Other key ingredients for this recipe include heavy cream and butter to create a creamy texture and flavor that will leave you craving more.
The Recipe How-To
Now, we will dive into the recipe directions for this Irish Kale with Cream dish which can be a perfect side dish for your next dinner party or holiday feast.
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch kale, tough stalks removed, shredded
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 spring onions, finely shredded
- 1 3/4 cups heavy cream
- Salt and pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg
Step 1: Boil the Kale
Begin by bringing a large pot of water to boil over high heat. Once boiling, add in the shredded kale and let it cook for around 5 minutes until wilted and tender.
Step 2: Cook the Onions and Kale
While the kale is cooking, melt butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely shredded onions and cook for around 3 minutes until soft.
Next, add in the cooked kale and toss it with the onion mixture. Let it cook for around 5 minutes until everything is well combined and coated in butter.
Step 3: Add Heavy Cream
Now comes the creamy part! Pour in 1 3/4 cups of heavy cream into your pan with the onions and kale mixture. Reduce heat to low and gently simmer for around 10 minutes. This allows everything to cook and blend together well.
Step 4: Seasoning
Add Salt and Pepper according to your taste preference. Don’t forget to add a pinch of nutmeg to give it that extra flavorful twist!
Step 5: Serve
Your Irish Kale with Cream is now ready! It pairs excellently as a side dish with mashed potatoes or sauteed kale. It can even work well as a topping on your favorite crispy bacon or used as a filling for your favorite sandwich wrap.
Enjoy your Traditional Irish Creamed Kale Recipe!
Substitutions and Variations
Whether you are a firm believer in following recipes step by step or enjoy making personal adjustments in the kitchen, there are plenty of options for substituting ingredients or varying the flavor of this Irish Kale with Cream recipe.
If you’re looking to adjust the creamy consistency of the dish, swapping out heavy cream for half-and-half or milk will yield a lighter version of this recipe. Additionally, experimenting with different kinds of creamed greens such as spinach or collard greens could make for an interesting variation to the traditional Irish dish.
For those who prefer meat in their dishes, substituting bacon for butter would add extra flavor to the dish. Similarly, adding chicken or sausage to the sautéed kale can also be an option.
Furthermore, adding potatoes to the dish can elevate it to a cozy warm meal. If mashed potatoes is your forte and you want more substance into your dish, try mixing mashed potatoes into your kale mixture instead.
Finally, using nutmeg can amplify flavors from the dish. Nuts have been known to be used in sauces invented during medieval times and even up to today it’s used as a flavor enhancer.
Overall, don’t hesitate to experiment and make substitutions based on what ingredients you have on hand and what flavors you enjoy most. The possibilities are endless!
Serving and Pairing
Irish kale with cream is a versatile dish that can complement many main courses such as grilled chicken, roasted beef or baked fish. It can also be served as a vegetarian main dish by pairing it with mashed potatoes or crusty bread. This dish can be a perfect sidekick for any meal, adding an Irish touch to any plate.
To make your dish even more amazing, you can sprinkle some crispy bacon on top of the kale instead of using plain boiled bacon as the traditional recipe suggests. This would add some texture and extra flavor to the creamy kale. Another suggestion is to serve it with some additional sauteed kale and leek, making the dish even greener and more nutritious.
If you don’t feel like serving it as a side dish, why not turn it into a bed for another great recipe? A poached egg served on top of the creamed kale would create a delicious brunch offering. Serve it in bowls garnished with chopped parsley or green onion, and let your guests enjoy the beauty of this hearty Irish dish.
Whatever way you decide to serve this tasty dish, make sure to use the freshest ingredients and enjoy it on St. Patrick’s Day or any day of the year!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This recipe for Irish Kale with Cream is great for a variety of occasions, from a quick weeknight dinner to a special holiday meal. One of the best things about this dish is that it can easily be made ahead of time and reheated when you’re ready to serve.
To make this dish ahead of time, prepare the recipe as directed and let it cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it gently over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through.
If you want to freeze this dish, follow the same process of letting it cool completely and transferring it to an airtight container. Make sure to leave some room at the top for expansion as the dish freezes. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When reheating from frozen, allow the dish to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove or microwave. Reheating from frozen may cause the texture of the kale and cream to become slightly grainy, so if possible, try to avoid freezing if you can.
Overall, this dish is a great option for meal prep or batch cooking because of its make-ahead and storing possibilities. Plus, with each reheated serving tasting just as good as the first day, you won’t regret making too much!
Tips for Perfect Results
Tips for Perfect Results:
As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I have cooked countless recipes that involve kale. Here are some of my expert tips to ensure that your Irish Kale with Cream recipe turns out perfectly every time:
1. Remove the Tough Stalks: When preparing the kale, make sure to remove the tough stalks. They are not palatable and can ruin the texture of the dish. Only use the leafy portions in your recipe.
2. Shred the Kale: It is important to shred the kale very thinly, so it cooks evenly and quickly. I recommend using a sharp knife or kitchen shears to finely shred the kale into small pieces.
3. Use Heavy Cream: The cream is what makes this dish unique and delicious, so don’t skimp on it! For a perfectly creamy texture, use full-fat heavy cream.
4. Be Generous with Butter: Don’t be afraid to add more butter than the recipe calls for. A tablespoon or two of extra butter will not only add richness, but it will also help prevent sticking in the cooking process.
5. Add Nutmeg: Donal Skehan’s Irish Kale with Cream recipe calls for nutmeg, which helps to balance out the heaviness of the cream and adds a unique flavor profile to the dish. Be sure to use freshly grated nutmeg for optimal taste.
6. Season Liberally: Salt and pepper are crucial components of this recipe. Don’t be shy when seasoning – remember that kale can be bitter, so you’ll want to season aggressively to balance out any bitterness.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create a perfect batch of Irish Kale with Cream every time. Enjoy!
FAQ
Now that you have all the information you need to make the perfect Irish Kale with Cream recipe, it’s time to answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs). Here are some of the possible doubts that might arise in your mind as you prepare this delicious dish. Let us dive into them and dispel any confusion or concerns you may have.
What is the best way to serve kale?
If you’re looking for a tasty alternative to spinach, try using kale instead! Kale can work wonders in a variety of dishes, from egg dishes to salads and even lasagna. You can also create delicious dips by chopping or pureeing cooked kale. For a healthy boost, try juicing kale or sautéing it with your favorite vegetables. When it comes to salads, kale can add a unique flavor and texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, whip up some kale pesto, or add some kale to your favorite soup for an extra punch of nutrients.
What to do with kale before it goes bad?
There are various ways to preserve your herbs and utilize them for future meals. One approach is to freeze them by mixing the herbs with a hint of olive oil and storing them in your preferred ice cube trays. This way, you’ll have pre-portioned herbs ready to add when you need them. Another option is to make a quick and effortless pesto with your herbs. Mix them with some nuts, parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil in a food processor, and voila! You’ve got a versatile sauce that can be used to dress pasta or spread on bread. Not just that, but if you want to give your smoothies a flavorful twist, add a few sprigs of herbs like mint or basil. You can also stir them into your soup to add an extra layer of freshness to your dish. Lastly, for a delectable Greek delicacy, mix some herbs like oregano with olive oil and drizzle it over some feta cheese. It’s a simple yet tasty treat that is sure to impress your guests.
Is it better to boil kale?
As per the latest research, raw kale seems to be more advantageous for the prevention of cancer, whereas steamed kale seems to be more effective in managing cholesterol levels. Therefore, I would suggest including both raw and steamed kale in your diet. However, it’s crucial to avoid overcooking or adding excess water while boiling, sauteing or stir-frying the vegetable.
Can you boil kale and eat it?
Kale is a highly nutritious food that is commonly known as a superfood for its health benefits. This leafy green is available in different colors, shapes, and textures, and can be consumed in various ways. It can either be eaten raw in salads and smoothies or cooked through steaming, sautéing, boiling, or baking.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Irish Kale with Cream recipe is the perfect addition to any traditional Irish meal or as a standalone side dish. The combination of kale and cream create a rich and satisfying flavor that will leave you craving more. Don’t be afraid to explore variations and substitutions to make it your own. Try adding crispy bacon on top for an extra layer of flavor or mixing in leeks for a new twist.
As studies have shown, kale is incredibly beneficial for our health, making this dish not only delicious but also nutritious. So why not give this recipe a try? You can channel your inner Donal Skehan and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills inspired by Irish traditions.
Overall, this recipe honors the heart of traditional Irish cuisine while incorporating modern flavors and techniques. As someone who loves British cuisine, I can confidently attest that this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the richness and diversity of British cuisine. So put on some Celtic music, pour yourself an Irish whiskey cocktail, and enjoy a delicious bowl of Irish Kale with Cream. Sláinte!
Irish Kale With Cream Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 lbs kale
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons meat stock
Instructions
- Wash the kale and strip the leaves from the stalks, then plunge into briskly boiling salted water and cook until tender, 20 to 30 minutes.
- Drain well and chop finely.
- In a saucepan, combine the butter, cream and pinches of nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Add the kale and the stock.
- Mix well and cook until well heated and the sauce is slightly reduced.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.