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!!
clau says
Another winner! I read others’ comments about their kale-hating family members liking this and thought “not mine” but he devoured his dinner and came back for seconds. He even looked at me and said “how did I get so lucky?” 😂🤣 You’re making love happen, Nagi! I’m not a huge kale fan myself but this will definitely be a staple in our home.
Maikee says
Nagi, can I use cooked brown rice? If yes, how will i alter the cooking process? Can’t wait to try this out! Thank you so much!
Nagi says
Hi Maikee, I talk about this in the recipe notes – N x
Maikee says
I read the whole article 2-3x thinking i may have missed but i do not see anywhere that talks about cooked rice! Specifically went back to the Recipe Notes.
Nancy says
Made this dish last night. Followed the recipe but the rice didn’t get cooked. Any ideas what I can do to remedy this? I hate to waste such good food and all that beautiful kale!
Adelaeda Barrera says
What I did is that I brought the rice with the stick to a boil, once it started boiling then brought it down to low and proceeds with recipe steps.
Adelaeda Barrera says
I apologize for the typos. I meant stock * and proceeded *
Nagi says
Hi Nancy, sorry you had issues here. If the heat was low, it may just need a couple more minutes to cook. N x
Michelle Thomas says
I’ve made this soo many times since finding it a few months ago. It’s crazy good and my rice loving husband just adores it. I confess I actually make mine with shaved Brussels sprouts in the place of kale, but regardless this recipe is great, thank you for sharing. Just love your site.
Jackie says
Do you have an alternative to rice? My old man hates it. Thanks!
Nagi says
Hi Jackie – this one is all about the rice! You could use quinoa instead if you like though! N x
Yuliya Pashkova says
The recipe was great! I made it as directed, and it turned out perfectly. Felt very healthy and was tasty as well! Thank you.
Merry Pearl says
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRECISE INSTRUCTIONS AND YOUR INSIGHT!
I’m of Latin descent and I have never been able to cook rice perfectly to save my life. It was a bit of a downer, given my heritage – but your easy step by step guide helped me make my first perfect rice in 20 years!
Thank you again!
Nagi says
Thanks so much Merry! N x
J-Mom says
This was sooo good! I don’t hate Kale. But the bitterness can be tough and I don’t use it unless a recipe calls for it.
Was it the butter and/or garlic? Yummy.
Katie KOSOVIC says
Your recipes are always spot on and taste wonderful, if I ever want to cook anything I look on your website to see if you have made it because everything turns out amazing, lovely rice recipe , will use again
Nagi says
Tat’s great to hear, thanks so much Katie! N x
Angelina says
So yummy, awesome job Nagi!
Nagi says
Thanks so much Angelina!! N x
Nicola Lewis says
OMG! Amazing. My 12 year old declared it the best rice he’s ever tasted. We had it with the juicy baked chicken. Will definitely make it again!
Nagi says
Wahoo! That’s awesome Nicola! N x
Christine says
You never disappoint Nagi. I have sent this recipe to everyone I know, hahaha. A great way to get some greens in. So delicious.
Nagi says
That’s great to hear Christine!! N x
Chris says
This was so delicious! I made it with spinach because that’s what I had on hand. I served it with your crispy grilled shrimp. Wow! Thank you! I love your recipes and the joy you have for creating these dishes!
Nagi says
And it would be great with spinach Chris! I’m so happy you enjoyed it! N x
Rita Kathlyn says
I printed this out and made it this morning. I followed the Organic Brown Rice package and made 1 cup of rice, because I’m just one person:-) I adjusted the measurements down a little. I used Organic Lacinato Kale grown locally. This is SO GOOD! and SO EASY! This will be a regular recipe I will make and keep in my Fridge to warm up and use with different kinds of meals – Thank You:-) P.S. I could have eaten the whole pot!
adh says
Absolutely fantastic side dish and warms up great for leftovers. Wanted a new rice side and this was delicious and easy. Husband even commented that he didn’t know he liked kale. Score!
Robert Adams says
What a good recipe. Rice can be bland but it’s enlivened with the garlic, kale, and especially the almond slivers, which I toasted first. My family raved and they are not big rice eaters.
Nagi says
That’s great to hear Robert!!! N x
Jordan says
I have made this dish SO many times and everyone who tries it, loves it. I add sweet Italian pork for meat. One of my fav, easy dishes.
Vanessa says
I may have commented on this recipe before…..I can’t remember but all I have to say is that this rice goes with so many other dishes. Sometimes I”ll make it without the kale if I don’t have any on hand and it’s just a great side dish. I like making it with your Greek chicken!!! Delicious!!! Here is our house, we like mix and matching your recipes. I’ll also be making this as a side dish for our Christmas dinner with family. Thank you! Merry Christmas!!
Nagi says
Perfect!!!
Leanne says
Thank you! Just had this rice with your sticky pork chops – it was a massive hit even with the KIDS!
Yummy! And so were the chops!
Nagi says
I LOVE hearing that Leanne!!
Lissa says
This was excellent and I don’t like kale,
Nagi says
Hi Lissa, you’re totally converted now!!