Say hello to your new favourite kale recipe – it’s time to think beyond a salad!!
There’s an enormous amount of kale hidden in amongst all that buttery, garlicky rice…. This is a terrific two-in-one side dish that will pair with almost anything and keeps for days!
A kale recipe that’s totally scoff-able
Kale is one of the nutritious plant foods in the world, and this Garlic Butter Kale Rice is a fantastic way to incorporate a LOT of kale into a dish that’s so tasty, even kale haters love it.
Really. This kale recipe is that good. Read some of the reviews from people who have tried it!
Actually, I hadn’t planned to share this recipe. I didn’t think it would be of interest to readers, but it turns out that it’s possible the most requested recipe ever! People spied this Garlic Butter Rice with Kale on the side of a Baked Chicken Breast that I shared a couple of months ago. I didn’t even mention it in the post, it was just leftovers I had in the fridge that I added to the plate just to take this photo:
That single photo triggered so many messages via email, on Facebook and Instagram I could hardly believe it!
But you spoke, and I listened. Here it is. 🙂
Little trick to make kale even tastier!
It’s a real easy recipe. The one little trick I have to make this even better is that I marinate the kale before stirring it through the rice.
Just a drizzle of olive oil and tiny sprinkle of salt followed by a 30 second massage not only softens the kale, but also adds flavour.
This is the same technique I use in my Kale and Quinoa Salad which is almost like the salad version of this kale recipe. Marinating the kale truly makes all the difference when using raw kale.
Serve this Kale Garlic Butter Rice as a side dish – it’s a great two-in one, being a carb plus greens. And it’s an excellent way to dramatically boost the amount of nutrition you take in – in a delicious way!
It will go with cuisines, even with Asian dishes! I’ve popped a few suggestions below.
– Nagi x
Try this Kale recipe with:
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Any seared protein, such as Juicy Baked Chicken Breast, Honey Garlic Chicken, Baked Pork Chops, Lemon Garlic Marinated Pork Chops (Just to offer a few suggestions!)
Why kale is good for you
Kale has gained it’s status as a super food for good reason – it’s one of the most nutritious plant foods in the world. Here are just some of the health benefits of kale:
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exceptionally high amount of Vitamins A, C and K
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high in antioxidants
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help lower cholesterol which can reduce the risk of heart disease
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it has cancer fighting substances
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an excellent source of minerals that many people don’t get enough of, including calcium, potassium and magnesium
So this kale recipe is an excellent delicious way to get more nutrition into your diet!
WATCH HOW TO MAKE IT
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Garlic Butter Rice with Kale
Ingredients
Marinated Kale:
- 7 cups kale sliced leaves , tightly packed (1cm / 2/5" slices) (Note 1)
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Garlic Butter Rice:
- 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter
- 3 - 4 large garlic cloves , minced
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice (Note 2)
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable)
Finishing:
- 1 - 2 tbsp (15 - 30g) butter
- 1/3 cup chopped almonds (or other nuts / seeds of choice)
Instructions
- Place kale in a large bowl. Drizzle over oil, sprinkle with a small pinch of salt and pepper. Scrunch with hands for 30 seconds, set aside while rice cooks.
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium high heat. Add garlic and stir for 1 minute until just starting to turn golden and is incredibly fragrant.
- Add rice, stir for 10 seconds.
- Add broth, stir, then cover.
- Turn heat down to medium or medium low so the liquid is simmering very gently. Cook for 12 - 15 minutes until all liquid is absorbed (tilt pot to check).
- Quickly toss all the kale on top of the rice, put the lid back on then remove from heat.
- Rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Fluff rice with fork, stirring kale through.
- Lastly, stir through extra butter and add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and sprinkle over nuts (or stir nuts through rice).
Recipe Notes:
LIFE OF DOZER
And the hits just keep on coming…..
This is the inflatable cone I got after I shared the photo of Dozer looking extremely unhappy with the plastic cone, thanks to the suggestion of readers. He is definitely more comfortable…… and providing much amusement to everyone who sees him!!!
That pattern…. why? Why??!!! 😂 It looks like a pool floatie!!
AE says
Excellent! Just make sure you use a big, wide pot to fit all that kale!!
Jen says
Amazingly delicious and easy! In my regular recipes collection now.
Susan Korney says
oops….I just posted a rating/comment, could you please not put in my last name, thanks!
Susan Korney says
I love, love, love this recipe, I’ve made it often with kale or spinach ~ yum. Thanks Nagi!
Janine says
Hi Nagi,
I made this rice recently and it was absolutely delicious!!
Thank you so much for providing such great recipe ideas on this website. I love your site!!!
Mel says
This was yummy! Made it with the baked chicken breast and some air fried pumpkin. I used brown rice because we all enjoy it. Thanks Nagi!!
Kaye says
My rice repertoire has really expanded since finding you Nagi. This one is hard to resist, I kept eating way passed my full gauge. Loved it
Kate says
Even my husband who “hates” kale had seconds! And my 2 teenage boys. Absolutely don’t skimp on olive oil massage of kale and the salt to soften and bring out flavor.
Bec says
I baked some pumpkin and stirred it through the rice which has made it more of a meal than a side.
Mary Wood says
I’m making this dish again this evening. I make it more less per recipe, maybe varying the exact amount of kale or garlic, Tonight, I’m adding about a cup of homemade caramelized onions. Smells heavenly and I know this variation is going to be good, too!
Mary Wood says
I’m making this delicious dish again this evening. I make it more less per recipe, maybe varying the exact amount of kale or garlic, Tonight, I’m adding about a cup of homemade caramelized onions. Smells heavenly and I know this variation is going to be good, too!
Julie says
This was loved by my whole family, even my two teen boys. I used frozen Kale, and cooked the rice in the instant pot – my new go to for almost all rice. It was absolutely delicious. Opted for some Parm instead of nuts!! Thank you.
Nagi says
Woo hoo!! I am so glad that you enjoyed it Julie! N x
Ayasha says
I had some oven roasted duck legs but nothing to go with them and then I stumbled across your recipe (as I had half a bag of kale left). This recipe is absolutely incredible! The rice had SO much flavour and worked very well with the kale’s texture. Will definitely be cooking this again! Thanks so much Nagi! x
Nagi says
I am happy that you liked it Ayasha!! N x
Susan says
Another winner! Your recipes are the best! Great way to eat a lot of kale (I bought a 2 pound bag and wondered how I would eat it all until I tried this)! Thank you, Nagi!
Nagi says
I am so glad that you enjoyed it Susan! N x
Jen says
I messed up the sequence and stirred the kale in before letting the rice rest, but it still turned out great!
Delia Vella says
Great addition to any meal. I forgot to add my nuts 🤔. I also tried to cut back on my salt and that’s no good. Even lemon juice is a good addition. Thank you
Amy says
I made this today, it was so good. But i have a hard time to cook rice on the stove. I paired with your chicken with brown sugar recipe( cant remember the name)
Little Bold Lady says
Easily our favorite way to eat kale. This recipe has made our regular menu rotation. Many thanks!
Nagi says
It’s always more fun to eat your veggies when you enjoy the taste! N x
Jackie says
Made this tonight using quinoa, and it was delicious!
Sheen says
Loved this dish. Although I didn’t add kale. I didn’t have any. The rice turned out great. Had it with your creamy lemon butter sauce with fish. Perfect!