How to Steam Kale: 12 Steps
Kale is a highly nutritious and versatile leafy green vegetable that’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Steaming kale is one of the best ways to enjoy its delicious flavor and preserve its nutritional value. In this article, we’ll walk you through 12 simple steps on how to steam kale.
1. Choose fresh kale: When buying kale at the market or grocery store, look for deeply colored leaves with rigid stems. Avoid yellow or wilted leaves.
2. Wash the kale: Rinse the kale leaves thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris. You can also use a produce wash if desired.
3. Dry the kale: Pat dry the kale leaves with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to remove excess moisture.
4. Remove the stems: Hold the kale leaf by its stem and strip away the leafy part by running your fingers down the stem. You can also use a knife to cut the leaves from the stem if you prefer.
5. Tear or chop the leaves: Depending on your preference, tear the kale leaves into bite-sized pieces or chop them with a knife.
6. Prepare a steamer basket: Add about an inch of water into a pot or saucepan and place a steamer basket inside, making sure the water is not touching the bottom of the basket.
7. Heat the water: Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat to create steam.
8. Add the kale: Once the water is boiling, carefully place your prepared kale in a single layer inside the steamer basket.
9. Cover and steam: Place a lid on top of your pot or saucepan to trap in heat and steam. Steam your kale for about 5-7 minutes until it reaches your desired degree of tenderness.
10. Check for doneness: Use tongs or a fork to gently lift up some of the kale and check if it’s tender enough for your preference. If required, steam for an additional couple of minutes.
11. Remove and serve: Once your kale is cooked to your liking, use tongs to carefully transfer it to a serving dish. Season with salt and pepper or any other desired seasonings.
12. Enjoy: Serve and enjoy your steamed kale as a side dish, in salads, or as part of a main meal.
By following these 12 simple steps, you can easily steam kale to perfection, enhancing its natural flavors while maintaining its health benefits. Happy cooking!