Legume Free Sautéed Kale with Garlic and Lemon
Garlicky, bright, and just a little spicy, this sautéed kale is the kind of simple side dish that earns a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation. Golden-edged garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes build a deeply savory base in the pan before the kale even hits the heat, so every leaf soaks up that flavor as it wilts. A splash of water steams the greens to tender perfection, and then a quick blast of higher heat crisps the edges just enough to give the whole dish some satisfying texture. The finish is a drizzle of fresh lemon juice that cuts through the richness of the olive oil and makes everything pop. For anyone navigating a legume-free lifestyle, this dish is effortlessly on-side — every single ingredient is clean and straightforward, with zero hidden legume derivatives to worry about. Serve it straight from the skillet with an extra wedge of lemon and watch it disappear fast.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 bunch (about 10 oz) curly or lacinato kale, stems removed, leaves torn into 2-inch pieces
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup water
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
For serving
- lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- 2
Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to turn golden at the edges, about 1–2 minutes. Watch closely, as the garlic can brown quickly.
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