Sweet Braised Kale with Apples and Nuts

Braised Kale is an easy fall side dish that takes all of 20 minutes to prepare! Apple and walnuts add flavor and texture, while vinegar adds a slight tanginess. In this post I’ll show you how easy it is to cook kale on the stove.

Creating This Braised Kale Side Dish

Admittedly, I have never been a huge fan of cooked vegetable side dishes. I would normally choose a fresh salad or crudités over cooked veggies.

Sweet Braised Kale, however, has stolen my heart. Braising is the most delightful way to cook greens Kale. Without overcooking and creating mushy greens, braising tenderizes the leaves and adds flavor.

In this recipe, the kale is paired with the sweet flavors of apples and apple cider. The toasted nuts add a bit of crunch and texture, keeping every bite sweet and delicious.

These sweet, flavorful greens are easy to eat on their own. It makes an excellent fall side dish, easily paired with a simple meat dish or pasta.

Braised kale is also delicious paired with a thick slice of crusty bread for an easy, healthy appetizer.

Because this has become one of our favorite kale recipes, yes – even the kids, I thought it would be the perfect side dish to add to our Thanksgiving Menu too!

This Sweet Braised Kale is unexpectedly good and I don’t doubt it will steal your heart too. 

What is Braising

Braising is a cooking method that is typically used to cook tough cuts of meat until it becomes tender. This method begins with searing the meat over high temperatures before slow cooking with liquid until it is tender.

Though this cooking method is most commonly used with meats, the concept can also be used with vegetables.

In this recipe, braising kale helps soften the tough texture of the leaves and thick stems. Read on to lear everything you need to know about how to braise kale.

Braised Kale Ingredients

This easy kale recipe requires just eight basic ingredients. Here’s an overview of what you’ll need to make this kale side dish:

• Curly kale
• Butter
• Apple
• Walnuts
• Brown sugar
• Apple cider
• Soy sauce (or tamari)
• Apple cider vinegar
• Sea salt and Black pepper, if desired

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

How to Braise Kale

Making braised kale takes about 20 minutes in total. How easy is that?!

1. Tear the washed, de-stemmed kale leaves into bite-size pieces.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add the walnuts and sauté for 2 or 3 minutes.
3. Add the grated apple and sauté until the apple begins to soften.
4. Sprinkle sugar over the apple and walnuts, stirring to coat.
5. Add the kale leaves and sauté over medium heat until the leaves begin to turn bright green.
6. In a small bowl, combine cider and soy sauce. Pour the braising liquid into the skillet and cover tightly.
7. Cook until greens are tender.
8. Toss with teaspoon of cider vinegar and serve.

The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.

Braised Kale FAQs

Got questions about cooking kale on stove? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.

What Kind of Kale Should I Use?

I prefer to use curly kale with this easy side dish, but there are several types of kale you can choose from: Dinosaur Kale, Russian Kale, Lacinato Kale, and Baby Kale, to name a few.

Whatever you use, make sure you are using fresh kale. Frozen kale would not work as well in this recipe.

What Can I Substitute for Kale?

I haven’t personally tested any substitutions in this kale side dish.

However, based on the flavor profile of the recipe, I would recommend trying other dark leafy greens such as: baby spinach, collard greens, swiss chard or even beet greens.

Can This Braised Kale Recipe Be Prepared in Advance?

You can wash and tear the kale in advance, but I recommend waiting to make the entire dish until you’re ready to serve it.

How Long to Cook Kale on the Stove?

Braising kale on the stove only takes a few minutes, which is why this is such a quick side dish to prepare.

Once you add the kale to the pan with the braising liquid, it only cooks for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it is done when the leaves are wilted and tender. Be careful not to over cook it, however!

What Should I Serve with Braised Kale?

Serve this easy kale side dish with your favorite fall and winter entrees. Here are some suggestions:

• Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash
• Chicken Pot Pie
• Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin
• Butternut Squash Pasta with Meatballs
• Smoked Whole Chicken
• Rosemary Roasted Chicken

Don’t see what you’re looking for here? You can always head over to check out the recipe index to look for more recipes.

What Readers Are Saying

“Tasty and easy dish that disappeared in a flash – thank you.” — Asya

“This was amazing. Since the first time I found your recipe I’ve made it twice. Both times substituting the apple cider for apple sauce because that’s what I had on hand. Delicious!” — Crystal

“This was really good. A bunch of non-vegetable lovers scarfed it up.” — Connie

Try this Braised Kale at Home!

Next time you’re looking for a healthy side dish, give this Sweet Braised Kale a try!

Did you think this recipe was a great way to add more dark leafy greens to your diet? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought of this delicious recipe.

On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see your photo of this easy side dish!

More Easy Kale Side Dishes:

Looking for more delicious ways to prepare kale? Here are a few favorites:

In this Massaged Kale Salad recipe, kale is lightly massaged with olive oil, salt and pepper. Then, it’s tossed with roasted delicata squash, roasted red onions, herbed goat cheese, and pepitas.

Butternut Squash and Kale Quinoa Stuffing is a fantastic vegetarian and gluten-free stuffing recipe loaded with tons of veggies and flavors.

These “Cheesy” Kale Chips are a great, healthy way to satisfy your cravings for something salty and cheesy. Nutritional yeast gives them a nutrient-rich cheesy flavor without any added dairy.

Kale, purple cabbage, carrot, and red bell pepper are tossed with a jalapeño lime vinaigrette for a healthy Mexican inspired Cilantro Lime Kale Slaw.

This Baked White Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Kale and Bacon is a bit sinful. Enjoy as a side dish or as an entree!

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