Seared Kale Salad with Brown Butter-Toasted Pine Nuts and Smoked Bacon

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Roughly chop or tear kale into bite-size pieces.

   Step 2

   In a large skillet, add just enough oil to coat the bottom and heat over a high flame until it smokes. Add just enough kale to make one layer. Cook kale until it is slightly softened and bright green but still crunchy, giving it a toss every couple minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Transfer kale to a large bowl, and allow it to cool; it will continue to soften. Cook the rest of the kale in batches, wiping out your skillet after each batch.

   Step 3

   Coat the skillet with oil. Set it over low heat and add shallot. Sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt, then pour in the wine and 1/4 cup water. Bring to a boil and then immediately turn the heat down to a slow simmer. Let the liquid reduce until it has almost but not quite evaporated, about 10 minutes. Pour the contents of the skillet over cooked kale and allow it to cool.

   Step 4

   Return the cooled skillet over low heat and add bacon. Slowly render the fat until bacon is crispy. Transfer bacon to a paper-towel-lined dish to drain. Add to kale.

   Step 5

   Top kale with raisins and nuts. Squeeze lemon over the top and add Parmesan to taste. Toss all to combine.