Prepare to transform your ordinary vegetable side dish into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds! This luxurious Creamed Rainbow Chard and Kale with Prosciutto is not just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that turns humble greens into a rich, decadent experience. With crispy prosciutto, tender leafy greens, and a velvety cream sauce, this dish proves that healthy eating can be incredibly indulgent and absolutely irresistible.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bunch rainbow chard, chopped
- 1 bunch kale, chopped
- 4 ounces prosciutto, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the rainbow chard and kale under cold running water, removing any dirt or debris. Carefully strip the leaves from the tough stems and chop them into roughly 1-inch pieces.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped prosciutto and cook until it becomes slightly crisp and releases its oils, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the chopped rainbow chard and kale to the skillet with the prosciutto. Stir to combine and let the greens begin to wilt, cooking for about 5-6 minutes.
- Pour the heavy cream over the greens and prosciutto. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Continue cooking until the greens are tender and the cream has reduced and thickened, creating a luxurious sauce, approximately 10-12 minutes.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The prosciutto will provide some saltiness, so add salt carefully.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to further thicken. Serve hot as a side dish or light main course.
Tips
- Choose fresh, crisp greens: Select rainbow chard and kale that are vibrant in color and free from wilting or yellowing leaves.
- Remove tough stems: Carefully strip the leaves from the stems to ensure a tender, smooth texture in your final dish.
- Control your heat: Simmer the cream on low heat to prevent scorching and achieve a perfectly thickened sauce.
- Don't overcook the greens: Aim for wilted but still slightly crisp vegetables to maintain their nutritional value and texture.
- Season gradually: Add salt sparingly, as the prosciutto will contribute its own natural saltiness to the dish.
- Let the dish rest: Allowing the creamed greens to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the sauce further thicken and develop deeper flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 75mg