If you’re looking for a cozy, vibrant side dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and delights your taste buds with comforting flavors, the Garlic Butter Rice with Kale Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a beautiful marriage of tender kale, buttery garlic-infused rice, and crunchy almonds that create a dish both hearty and lively. Perfect as a standalone light meal or a gorgeous accompaniment, this recipe balances buttery richness, mild greens, and a nutty crunch, making it a new favorite to add to your regular repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Garlic Butter Rice with Kale Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient is essential, contributing not just flavor but texture and color that bring this dish to life. Fresh kale adds vibrancy and vitamin-rich goodness, while garlic and butter infuse warming depth. The almonds offer a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft rice. Each element plays its part perfectly.
- Kale (7 cups, sliced): Fresh, tightly packed kale gives the dish its bright, earthy green color and hearty texture.
- Extra virgin olive oil (2 tsp): A splash provides a smooth base to tenderize the kale while adding subtle fruity notes.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate every layer of flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Unsalted butter (2 tbsp): Adds a rich creaminess that envelops the garlic and rice beautifully.
- Garlic cloves (3-4 large, minced): The aromatic star that brings warmth and a subtle bite to the rice.
- Uncooked white rice (1 1/2 cups): The tender, fluffy base that soaks up all the goodness.
- Chicken or vegetable broth (2 1/4 cups): Infuses the rice with a savory depth that water alone can’t provide.
- Extra butter (1-2 tbsp): Stirred in last for an unbeatable velvety finish.
- Chopped almonds (1/3 cup): Brings crunch and a toasty nutty contrast, but feel free to swap for your favorite nuts or seeds.
How to Make Garlic Butter Rice with Kale Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Kale
Start by placing the kale into a large bowl. Drizzle over the olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Using your hands, scrunch the kale for about 30 seconds until it softens and releases its natural flavors. Set it aside while you cook the rice — this simple massaging step makes the kale tender and flavorful without losing its fresh texture.
Step 2: Infuse Butter with Garlic
In a large pot over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and stir continuously for about one minute. You want the garlic to just start turning golden and become incredibly fragrant, which will be the savory backbone for the rice.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Add the uncooked rice to the pot and give it a quick stir for about ten seconds. This toast step helps coat each grain in that luscious garlic butter and adds a subtle nutty flavor before you add the broth.
Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stir to combine, then cover the pot. Reduce the heat to medium or medium-low so the liquid simmers gently. Let it cook undisturbed for 12 to 15 minutes, or until all the broth is absorbed. You can tilt the pot slightly to check that no liquid remains trapped at the bottom.
Step 5: Incorporate the Kale
Once the rice has absorbed the broth, quickly scatter the prepared kale evenly over the top of the rice. Cover the pot again and remove it from the heat. This allows the kale to steam gently in the residual warmth, preserving its color and nutrients while blending those flavors beautifully.
Step 6: Rest and Fluff
Let the covered pot rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, using a fork, fluff the rice thoroughly while stirring the kale through. This step ensures every bite is perfectly mixed, with tender rice and kale marrying seamlessly.
Step 7: Finish with Butter and Nuts
Finally, stir in the extra butter for an ultra-silky finish. Add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle chopped almonds on top or fold them through the rice for a satisfying crunch that makes every spoonful more exciting.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Rice with Kale Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance the Garlic Butter Rice with Kale Recipe, consider garnishing with some freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives. A squeeze of lemon juice over the top adds a bright acidity that cuts through the richness beautifully. Toasted nuts or a light drizzle of good olive oil can bring additional texture and flavor dimension.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a wide array of mains. Think simply roasted chicken, grilled fish, or pan-seared tofu for a vegetarian-friendly plate. It also works splendidly alongside hearty dishes like braised meats or roasted root vegetables, balancing out more robust flavors with its fresh, buttery character.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the Garlic Butter Rice with Kale Recipe in pretty bowls or small individual ramekins. Layer the rice with some roasted cherry tomatoes or sprinkle with pomegranate seeds for unexpected color bursts. You can even stuff it inside roasted bell peppers or mushrooms to turn it into a fun, festive main event.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge. The Garlic Butter Rice with Kale Recipe will keep well for about 3 to 4 days, giving you a convenient, delicious option for busy days.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, though texture might slightly soften after thawing. Portion it into freezer-friendly containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. It should be good for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or broth to revive moist, tender texture. Stir frequently to warm evenly, and you may want to add a little extra butter when reheating for that fresh-from-the-pot richness.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice for this Garlic Butter Rice with Kale Recipe?
Absolutely! Brown rice will give you a nuttier flavor and more chew, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the broth and cooking time accordingly to ensure it cooks through.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Yes, you can easily make this vegan by substituting the butter with vegan butter or olive oil and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The flavor remains wonderfully rich and satisfying.
What if I don’t like almonds? What else can I use?
No problem! Feel free to swap almonds for walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds to add that crunchy texture. Toasting them lightly enhances their flavor even more.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! You can mix in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even some sun-dried tomatoes for extra layers of flavor and color. Just add them after the garlic step or toss them in with the kale.
How do I make sure the rice doesn’t stick to the pot?
Using enough butter and stirring the rice when you first add it helps coat each grain, reducing sticking. Also, keep the heat at a gentle simmer once you add the broth and avoid stirring during cooking to prevent breaking the grains.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Garlic Butter Rice with Kale Recipe enough — it’s a heartwarming dish that’s surprisingly easy and so full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving something wholesome and tasty, it hits the perfect note every time. Give it a whirl and watch it become one of your go-to comfort foods in no time.
Print
Garlic Butter Rice with Kale Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A flavorful and nutritious Garlic Butter Rice with Kale recipe that combines tender white rice cooked in savory chicken broth, fragrant garlic, and buttery goodness, finished with fresh kale and crunchy almonds. This dish serves as a wholesome side or a light main meal, offering a perfect balance of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 7 cups kale sliced leaves, tightly packed (1cm / 2/5″ slices)
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter
- 3 – 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 – 2 tbsp (15 – 30g) unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup chopped almonds (or other nuts/seeds of choice)
Instructions
- Prepare the kale: Place kale in a large bowl. Drizzle over extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with a small pinch of salt and pepper, then scrunch with your hands for 30 seconds to soften and season the kale. Set aside while the rice cooks.
- Sauté garlic: Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and stir for 1 minute until it just starts to turn golden and becomes incredibly fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Toast the rice: Add the uncooked white rice to the pot and stir continuously for about 10 seconds to coat the rice in the buttery garlic mixture.
- Add broth and cover: Pour in 2 1/4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Stir once, then cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer the rice: Reduce the heat to medium or medium-low to allow the liquid to gently simmer. Cook the rice for 12 to 15 minutes, until all liquid is absorbed. You can tilt the pot slightly to check for any remaining liquid.
- Add kale to rice: Once the broth is absorbed, quickly toss all the prepared kale on top of the rice. Replace the lid and immediately remove the pot from heat.
- Rest and fluff: Let the rice and kale rest, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes. After resting, fluff the rice with a fork, mixing the kale evenly through the dish.
- Finish with butter and seasoning: Stir in the remaining 1 to 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed for seasoning.
- Serve with nuts: Serve the rice warm, sprinkling chopped almonds or your choice of nuts/seeds on top, or gently stir them through the rice for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Note 1: Slicing kale thinly and scrunching it with oil helps soften the tough leaves and enhances flavor integration.
- Note 2: White rice can be substituted with other rice varieties, but cooking times may vary.
- For a vegetarian or vegan variation, use vegetable broth and replace butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Toasting the rice briefly in butter and garlic gives the dish a richer flavor.
- Be careful not to burn garlic when sautéing, as it can become bitter.
