Easy 2-Ingredient Kale Rice (Quick Green Side Dish)

Need a quick way to use fresh kale? This easy kale rice combines cooked rice with tender kale for a simple green side dish that comes together in just a few minutes

Why I Love Kale Rice

I was inspired to make this kale rice when I wanted cilantro rice but didn't have any cilantro. When I looked in my crisper drawer, I found I had some fresh kale from the garden! Using pre-cooked rice helped keep the time to cook minimal and allowed me to make this when I was short on time. Kale is a very easy plant to grow in the garden, produces heavily, and stands up against the cold well, so I usually have some on hand almost year round.

How To Add More Flavor

In addition to being a side dish that takes under 10 minutes, this recipe is highly customizable. To customize this kale rice, you can try:

• Adding 1/2 - 1 teaspoon miso

• Finish kale rice with a squeeze of lemon or lime

• Make it a meal - top kale rice with protein of choice - shrimp, pork, chicken or tofu

• Add a diced glove of garlic to the water before you simmer

• Use a different variety of pre-cooked rice - I like using jasmine or basmati

• Add 1 tablespoon of chicken bouillon

• Try different varieties of kale

Easy Ways To Serve Kale Rice

Kale rice can be made into a meal by simply adding your favorite protein - shrimp, pork, chicken, and tofu are all great options. I love adding chickpeas - these chickpeas have a great texture and are an affordable option. Pairing with soups, curries, and masalas is one of my favorite ways to use kale rice. It's a great way to sneak extra greens into my diet! Greens like kale are packed full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, so this rice will keep you fuller longer!

Can You Use Other Greens?

Subbing kale for spinach or Swiss chard would work well. Personally, I wouldn't sub with radish greens, mustard greens, or arugula - I think those are too bitter or spicy for the rice to pair with.