Braised Kale With Black Beans and Tomatoes

Dancer^'s Note:

Despite its list of ingredients, this Portuguese dish is simple to make because everything goes straight into the pot and simmers into a rustic blend of nicely-balanced flavors. Points 3.

• Total Time: 1 hrs
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 bunch kale (about 8 to 10 leaves)
• 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 6 medium plum tomatoes, seeded and diced (2 cups)
• 2 garlic cloves, halved lengthwise
• 1 (15 1/2 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 1/2 cups reduced-sodium fat-free chicken broth or 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Using a sharp paring knife, slice off the hard, central vein of each kale leaf.
2. Stacking 3 to 4 leaves at a time, cut them crosswise into half-inch strips.
3. Rinse in a colander or sieve and shake well, leaving some moisture clinging to leaves.
4. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat oil over medium-high heat.
5. Saute onion until translucent, about 4 minutes.
6. Add kale and mix until wilted, about 3 minutes.
7. Add tomatoes and garlic.
8. Cook, stirring, until tomatoes soften slightly, about 3 minutes.
9. Add beans and broth.
10. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until kale is tender, about 30 minutes.
11. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
12. Serve as a side dish or over brown rice for a main course.

Reviews

[Mrs. Beckman]

this was BEYOND awesome!!!!! It was my first try with Kale, and lemme tell ya, I have a new favorite Veggie!!! I made a few tiny adjustments. I used canned diced tomatoes, and only about 1/4 c. broth. I also used minced garlic. I let it simmer about 10 minutes only because I was strapped for time and it was wonderful, wonderful, WoNDERFUL!

[sugarpea]

A hit at our house when served as a side dish. I used a can of Italian diced tomatoes rather than fresh and some homemade seasoned beans I had in the freezer. Healthy and wonderful. I'd serve it over brown rice next time.

[SD Slim]

This was an was a great surprise. I also used the diced tomatoes as suggested by Britfoodlover and let it cook down to a slightly moist vegetable mixture. Not really appetizing looking but tastes great. Maybe the cooking changes the colors a bit.