Black Kale Recipe Vegan: Easy and Delicious Plant-Based Dish

Black kale, also known as dinosaur kale or Tuscan kale, is a powerhouse green that’s packed with nutrients and offers a hearty, slightly earthy flavor. This vegan recipe celebrates the robust texture and deep color of black kale, transforming it into a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for any meal.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your rotation, this recipe is straightforward, delicious, and incredibly versatile. From sautéing to seasoning, the magic of black kale comes alive with simple ingredients and a touch of love in the kitchen.

Let’s dive into a recipe that’ll surely become a staple in your healthy eating arsenal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This black kale vegan recipe stands out for its simplicity and nutritional benefits. It’s quick to prepare and makes a satisfying side or main dish that’s both hearty and light.

The recipe highlights the natural flavor of black kale while enhancing it with garlic, lemon, and a hint of chili flakes for a perfect balance of taste and spice.

Not only is this dish easy on the palate, but it’s also gentle on the environment, using only plant-based ingredients. Whether you’re meal prepping or cooking for friends, this recipe guarantees a crowd-pleaser with minimal effort.

Plus, it pairs beautifully with a wide variety of dishes, including some of my favorites like Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe or Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe for dessert!

Ingredients

• 1 large bunch of black kale (about 8 cups, chopped)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for heat)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts (optional for crunch)
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional for cheesy flavor)

Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Sharp knife for chopping kale
• Cutting board
• Citrus juicer (optional, for lemon juice)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons

Instructions

1. Prepare the kale: Rinse the black kale thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Strip the leaves from the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat the olive oil: Place your large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Allow it to warm up for about 1 minute.
3. Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. This step infuses the oil with flavor.
4. Add red chili flakes: Sprinkle in the red chili flakes if you want a little kick. Stir them with the garlic for about 30 seconds.
5. Cook the kale: Add the chopped kale to the skillet. Stir frequently to coat the leaves in the garlic and oil. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the kale is tender and slightly wilted but still vibrant green.
6. Season and add lemon juice: Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the kale. Stir well to combine the flavors.
7. Add optional toppings: Remove from heat and sprinkle the toasted pine nuts and nutritional yeast over the kale for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
8. Serve immediately: This black kale dish is best enjoyed warm and fresh off the stove. Pair it with your favorite whole grains or vegan protein for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

“To avoid bitterness, make sure not to overcook your black kale. It should remain slightly crisp and bright green.”

For a nuttier flavor, try using avocado oil instead of olive oil. You can also add a splash of soy sauce or tamari for an umami boost.

If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in some coconut cream or cashew cream toward the end of cooking.

Try tossing in some sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or chickpeas to turn this side dish into a hearty main course. For an extra protein punch, sprinkle with hemp seeds or pumpkin seeds.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This black kale recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside quinoa or brown rice for a wholesome meal.

It’s also a perfect complement to vegan protein options like lentil loaf or tempeh.

For a Mediterranean-inspired plate, add a scoop of hummus and some roasted red peppers. You might also enjoy it with our Chipotle Black Beans And Rice Recipe for a complete, satisfying dinner.

Conclusion

Black kale is an incredibly versatile and nutritious green that deserves a permanent spot in your vegan recipe collection. This simple yet flavorful recipe brings out the best in black kale, highlighting its robust texture and vibrant color.

With minimal ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Whether you enjoy it as a side or add your favorite toppings to make it a main, this black kale recipe is a wonderful way to embrace plant-based eating while keeping meals exciting and wholesome. Don’t forget to check out other delicious recipes like the Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe for cozy comfort food or the Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe to elevate your pasta nights.

Happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Black Kale Recipe Vegan”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A simple and nutritious vegan dish featuring tender black kale saut\u00e9ed with garlic and lemon. Perfect as a side or light main course.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 bunch black kale (about 8 cups, chopped)”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 lemon, juiced”, “1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes”, “Salt, to taste”, “Black pepper, to taste”, “1/4 cup vegetable broth or water”, “1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)”, “1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Wash and chop the black kale, removing tough stems.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, saut\u00e9 for 1 minute.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add kale to the skillet and stir to coat with oil and garlic.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in vegetable broth, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes until kale is tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove lid, add lemon juice, salt, pepper, nutritional yeast, and maple syrup if using.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir well and cook uncovered for 2-3 more minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve warm as a side dish or over grains.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “120”, “proteinContent”: “4g”, “fatContent”: “8g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “10g”}}