Kale is a sturdy, leafy green that can be a bit tough to eat raw. But that’s where cooking comes in! There are many ways to cook kale, but today we’re going to focus on one particular method: cooking it in the microwave.
This is a great option if you’re short on time. And it’s easier than you might think! Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have perfectly cooked kale in no time.
Is It Safe to Microwave Kale?
The answer is yes, it is perfectly safe to microwave kale. In fact, kale is one of the many vegetables that are actually better cooked in the microwave. This is because microwaves preserve more nutrients than other methods like boiling or frying.
Here’re some safety tips to make sure your kale is cooked properly in the microwave:
Use a microwave-safe plate
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people try to microwave their food without using a proper plate. Not only will this result in uneven cooking, but it could also damage your microwave. So play it safe and use a plate that’s specifically designed for microwaving.
Microwave in a short amount of time
Kale only needs to be cooked for a minute or two in the microwave. Any longer and it will start to lose its nutrients. So set your timer and make sure you don’t overcook your kale.
Cover and add water
Like all leafy greens, kale can quickly become dried out when cooked. To prevent this, make sure to cover your kale with a damp paper towel or a lid. This will prevent it from becoming too dry.
Additionally, be sure to add one or two tablespoons of water to your kale before cooking. This will create steam and help to keep the kale moist.
How Long Does It Take to Cook Kale In The Microwave?
Cooking kale in the microwave is a quick and easy process. In general, it will take two minutes to cook two cups of kale in the microwave. But this will vary depending on the power of your microwave and the amount of kale you’re cooking.
It’s always a good idea to start with less time and then add more if needed. This will prevent your kale from becoming overcooked and dry.
How to Cook Kale in the Microwave
Now that you know how to cook kale in the microwave, it’s time to get started! Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have perfectly cooked kale in no time.
Step 1: Wash your kale
As with all leafy greens, it’s important to start with clean kale. Be sure to wash it thoroughly under cold water. If you’re short on time, you can also give it a quick rinse in a salad spinner.
Step 2: Remove the tough stems
Kale stems can be tough and chewy, so it’s best to remove them before cooking. Just hold on to the stem with one hand and strip the leaves off with the other. You can also use a knife to cut the leaves away from the stem.
Step 3: Chop the kale into bite-sized pieces
Once the tough stems have been removed, you can chop the kale into bite-sized pieces. This will help it to cook evenly in the microwave.
Step 4: Place the kale on a microwave-safe plate
Make sure to use a plate that is specifically designed for microwaving. The best bet is to use a glass or ceramic plate.
Step 5: Add water and cover
Before cooking, be sure to add one or two tablespoons of water to your kale. This will create steam and help to keep the kale moist. Then, cover the kale with a damp paper towel or a lid.
Step 6: Microwave for two minutes
Cook the kale on high power for two minutes. This will vary depending on the power of your microwave, so start with less time and then add more if needed.
Step 7: Carefully remove from the microwave
Once the kale is cooked, carefully remove it from the microwave. The steam will be hot, so use caution when removing the cover.
Step 8: Drain and serve
If there is any water remaining on the kale, be sure to drain it off before serving by putting the kale in a colander. You can also add your favorite seasonings or dressings. Then, enjoy your perfectly cooked kale!
How to Store Microwave Kale
What if you have leftovers or don’t plan on eating all of your kale at once? No problem! Cooked kale can be stored in the fridge for up to five days. Just place the kale in a resealable storage bag or airtight container and store it in the fridge.
If you want to store your kale for a longer period of time, freezing it is the way to go. Start by spreading the kale in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash-freezing it for at least three hours. Once the kale is frozen, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag and label it with the date. Freeze for up to six months.
Can You Reheat Cooked Kale In The Microwave?
The answer, according to studies, is that you should not reheat kale in the microwave.
When kale is reheated in the microwave, it can turn its naturally occurring nitrates into carcinogenic nitrosamines. So, it’s best to reheat kale on the stovetop or in the oven.
To reheat kale on the stovetop, simply sauté it in a pan with a little olive oil over low heat until it’s heated through. You can also reheat it in the oven by placing it in a 300-degree oven for about 15 minutes.
Top 4 Ways to Enjoy Kale
Enjoying kale is easy when you know how to cook it perfectly. But what about once it’s cooked? Here are four of my favorite ways to enjoy kale:
1. Soups: Kale makes a great addition to soups and stews. It’s hearty enough to stand up to bold flavors, but it doesn’t overpower the other ingredients in the dish. Plus, it’s a great way to get your greens in!
2. Meat and Potatoes: Kale is also delicious when paired with meat and potatoes. The savory flavors of the meat complement the slightly bitter taste of the kale, and the potatoes add a lovely starchy component to the dish. Yum!
3. With Your Favorite Pasta: Have some leftover pasta that you need to use up? Throw some kale in! The leafy greens are a great way to bulk up a simple pasta dish, and they’ll add some much-needed nutrients as well. Win-win!
4. Quickie Kale Salad: If you’re short on time, you can always just throw together a quick kale salad. Kale + your favorite dressing = a tasty and easy meal that’s perfect for those busy weeknights. So simple, yet so delicious!
Wrapping It Up
So now that you know how to cook kale in the microwave, it’s time to get started! Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have perfectly cooked kale in no time.
Be sure to try out this easy cooking method and let me know what you think. Did you add your favorite seasonings or dressings? How did it turn out? I’d love to hear from you.
