Garlic and Parmesan Braised Greens

Garlic and Parmesan Braised Greens 

  • 1/3 cup olive oil

  • 1 head of garlic, halved crosswise

  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced

  • 2 bunches of kale or collard greens, ribs and stems removed, leaves torn

  • 2 oz. Parmesan, finely grated

  • salt and pepper to taste

 

Heat ⅓ cup oil in a medium Dutch oven over medium. Arrange garlic halves, cut side down, in pot and scatter onion around; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring onion occasionally but keeping garlic cut side down, until onion is deep golden, 6–8 minutes.

 Add kale to pot by the handful, stirring and letting it wilt slightly before adding more; season generously with salt. Cook, stirring often, until all of the kale is deep green and just wilted, about 3 minutes. Add 1½ cups water, cover pot partially with a lid, and cook until liquid is reduced by half and kale is tender, 12–15 minutes. 

Add Parmesan to braised kale and cook, stirring, until cheese is melted and incorporated (sauce will thicken slightly), about 5 minutes. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed. You can squeeze out the tender garlic cloves from the skins and mash them into the broth, or spread them onto toast with an extra drizzle of olive oil. Discard skins.