logo
Mama's Picks

Creamed Kale Gratin

VegetarianGastro-PubOven

Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

recipe image

About

Some people complain that kale is too bitter for their tastes. But they haven't yet experienced Creamed Kale Gratin! The kale is wilted in a cream sauce that perfectly balances its natural earthy flavor and adds richness, sharpness, and cheesiness to each bite. Golden and sweet caramelized onions add a new dimension to the savory flavor, and a touch of lemon keeps everything from tasting too heavy. If you've ever wanted to convert someone into loving kale, Creamed Kale Gratin is the way to do it!

Recommended Articles

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 quarts water
  • 1 3/4 pounds kale (about 4 bunches), washed, thick stems removed
  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 1 1/2 large Vidalia onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
  • 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 5 teaspoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup white wine
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3/4 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 cups parmesan cheese, grated, divided

Directions

Step 1 -In a 3-quart pot over high heat, add the water and bring it to a boil.

Step 2 -In 2 batches, add the kale to the boiling water and blanch, about 30 seconds.

Step 3 -Transfer the blanched kale to a colander and let it drain until cool.

Step 4 -Once all of the kale is blanched, drained, and cooled, squeeze the kale to remove any excess water.

Step 5 -Roughly chop the kale and set it aside.

Step 6 -Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 7 -In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.

Step 8 -Add the onions, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and the ground pepper to the melted butter and cook, while stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and caramelized, about 25 minutes.

Step 9 -Add the flour to the caramelized onions and stir to combine until it turns golden, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 10 -Add the wine to the onion mixture and bring to a simmer.

Step 11 -Add the cream, the milk, the lemon zest, the nutmeg, and the cayenne pepper to the onion mixture and simmer for 2 minutes.

Step 12 -Add 1 1/2 cups of the parmesan, the kale, and the remaining salt and stir to combine.

Step 13 -Pour the kale mixture into a 2 1/2-quart baking dish.

Step 14 -Sprinkle the remaining parmesan on top of the kale mixture.

Step 15 -Bake until bubbling and browned, about 45-50 minutes.

Step 16 -Serve immediately.

Explore More Favorites