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:
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:
- exceptionally high amount of Vitamins A, C and K
- high in antioxidants
- help lower cholesterol which can reduce the risk of heart disease
- it has cancer fighting substances
- 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!!
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
Tat’s great to hear, thanks so much Katie! N x
So yummy, awesome job Nagi!
Thanks so much Angelina!! N x
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!
Wahoo! That’s awesome Nicola! N x
You never disappoint Nagi. I have sent this recipe to everyone I know, hahaha. A great way to get some greens in. So delicious.
That’s great to hear Christine!! N x
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!
And it would be great with spinach Chris! I’m so happy you enjoyed it! N x
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!
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!
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.
That’s great to hear Robert!!! N x
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.
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!!
Perfect!!!
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!
I LOVE hearing that Leanne!!
This was excellent and I don’t like kale,
Hi Lissa, you’re totally converted now!!
My 5yrs old son and I love this…Thank you
YES! That’s great to hear Mini!
I loved it… never mind portion control, I could eat this all by myself! Delicious!
I know the feeling all too well Kristie 😂
I already had cooked rice so I just sauted a broth cube with the garlic, then added in the rice, mixed, and topped with kale. Scrumptious!
Perfect Diya!
Excellent recipe! Best chicken breast I’ve made in a long time! So juicy! Thanks for the recipe. I will certainly be trying more of yours!
I was slightly worried about the bitterness of the kale but the entire dish turned out perfect. A hit at family dinner and it will be in our regular rotation for sure!
Wahoo!! I’m so glad you gave it a shot Sharleen! ❤️
Used this recipe as a base and added some things… shredded chicken, small diced sweet potato, herbs Provence, minced onion. My rice calls for twice the amount of liquid as the rice so I made that adjustment as well. Also toasted my almonds for extra flavor. Delicious!
Sounds delicious Maggie!
Hey Nagi – any thoughts on the question of using spinach / silverbeet instead of kale? Please reply as I am really looking forward to making this.
Hi Kim, yes you could sub with any type of green if you prefer!!
I don’t have kale. Would spinach work?
I would also like to know if I could use spinach or silverbeet in place of the kale. If yes, would you still marinate the leaves?