Creamy Vegan Coconut Creamed Kale: A Quick & Cozy Plant-Based Side Dish

Discover how to make the most delicious coconut creamed kale on your stovetop, featuring both green and lacinato kale bathed in a rich, dairy-free coconut sauce. This quick and cozy plant-based side is perfect for any meal, especially holiday gatherings!

If you’re searching for a last-minute holiday side dish that promises both pizzazz and a healthy dose of greens, look no further. This Coconut Creamed Kale recipe is designed to impress, offering a delightful twist on a classic comfort food while keeping things entirely plant-based and incredibly simple to prepare.

For those familiar with my recipes, you know my usual approach to produce is often raw or simply steamed – minimal fuss, maximum natural flavor. However, as the cooler seasons arrive and the desire for warming, hearty dishes grows, I recently found myself on a “creamed vegetable” kick. Perhaps it was the yearning for nostalgic flavors, or simply the thought that my vegetables deserved a little extra indulgence before the new year kicked off.

I was transported back to childhood memories of enjoying creamed corn, a dish that brought immense comfort. Inspired by that memory, I embarked on a mission to create a cozy, vegan alternative. After experimenting with both creamed corn and creamed kale, it was the vibrant, nutrient-packed greens that ultimately won my heart. There’s something undeniably satisfying about transforming humble kale into a luxuriously creamy and flavorful dish.

Join me in taming our kale and elevating it into this spectacular Coconut Creamed Kale. It’s an effortlessly elegant side, prepared entirely on the stovetop in under thirty minutes. The combination of sturdy green kale and tender lacinato kale, simmered in a luscious coconut-based sauce, yields a quick, cozy, and utterly satisfying plant-based addition to any meal, from weeknight dinners to festive feasts.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Coconut Creamed Kale

While the star of this recipe is undoubtedly coconut, rest assured that its flavor is subtle and wonderfully balanced, complementing the kale without overwhelming it. The resulting dish is creamy, savory, and just a touch sweet, making it a truly unique and delicious experience. Here’s a detailed look at the simple yet powerful ingredients you’ll need to create this fantastic vegan creamed kale:

• Vegan Butter or Avocado Oil: These fats provide the initial base for our sauce, adding richness and helping to sauté the kale. Vegan butter will lend a slightly more traditional “creamed” flavor, while avocado oil keeps it a bit lighter and neutral.
• Full-Fat Coconut Milk (Canned): This is the secret to the dish’s incredible creaminess and subtle coconut flavor. Opt for full-fat canned coconut milk for the richest texture; lite coconut milk can also be used for a lighter version, but may result in a slightly less decadent finish.
• Nutritional Yeast: A cornerstone of vegan cooking, nutritional yeast imparts a delightful savory, cheesy flavor without any dairy. It’s essential for that umami depth that makes this creamed kale so satisfying.
• Himalayan Sea Salt: Crucial for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the kale and the creamy sauce. Adjust to your personal preference.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a warm, spicy note that beautifully contrasts with the creaminess.
• Garlic Powder: A hint of garlic powder provides aromatic depth and a foundational savory flavor that everyone loves.
• Cornstarch: This is our natural thickening agent. When mixed with water to form a slurry, it creates a smooth, velvety texture for the sauce, preventing lumps.
• Cal-Organic Farms Lacinato Kale: Also known as Dinosaur or Tuscan kale, lacinato kale has a slightly sweeter, more tender leaf with a beautiful dark green hue and crinkled texture. De-stemming and shredding it ensures it cooks evenly and integrates well into the sauce.
• Cal-Organic Farms Green Kale: This classic curly kale offers a slightly heartier texture and a more robust, earthy flavor. Using both types provides a wonderful textural contrast and a more complex flavor profile. Remember to de-stem and shred this variety as well.

That’s all it takes! These wholesome, plant-based ingredients come together to create a truly irresistible side dish that’s both nutritious and deeply comforting.

Simple Steps to Prepare Your Coconut Creamed Kale

This Coconut Creamed Kale recipe is not only incredibly delicious but also remarkably straightforward to prepare, coming together on your stovetop in less than thirty minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or as an impressive yet easy addition to a holiday spread. Follow these steps for perfect results:

1. Prepare Your Kale: Begin by thoroughly washing and drying both the green and lacinato kale. A salad spinner works wonders for this. Once clean, carefully remove the tough central stems from each leaf. The easiest way to do this is to hold the stem at the base and run your fingers up the leaf, stripping the greens away. Then, stack the de-stemmed leaves and finely shred them into ribbons. This ensures even cooking and a pleasant texture in the final dish.
2. Build the Creamy Base: Heat your vegan butter or avocado oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once shimmering, pour in the full-fat coconut milk. Stir in the nutritional yeast, Himalayan sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk everything together until well combined and the mixture begins to warm and release steam. This creates the flavorful, dairy-free base for your creamed kale.
3. Sauté the Kale: Add the shredded kale to the warm coconut mixture. If your pan isn’t large enough to accommodate all the kale at once, don’t worry! You can add it in batches, allowing the first batch to wilt slightly before adding more. Alternatively, you can briefly steam the kale separately before adding it to the pan, which saves space but does mean an extra dish to wash – the choice is yours! Once all the kale is in the pan, cover it with a lid and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently. The goal is for the kale to become completely wilted and tender, softening beautifully in the creamy sauce.

These initial steps lay the foundation for a rich and flavorful creamed kale. The next stage involves thickening the sauce to achieve that luxurious, velvety consistency.

Mastering the Perfect Creamy Texture: How to Thicken Coconut Creamed Kale

The secret to achieving the luscious, thick creaminess in this vegan kale recipe lies in one unassuming ingredient: cornstarch. It’s a simple trick that yields incredibly smooth and satisfying results, transforming the coconut milk into a rich, velvety sauce.

Here’s how to master the thickening process:

4. Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of filtered water until no lumps remain. This mixture is called a slurry. It’s crucial to mix cornstarch with a cold liquid before adding it to a hot sauce; otherwise, it will clump immediately.
5. Thicken the Sauce: Once your kale is wilted, pour the cornstarch slurry directly into the pan with the kale and coconut sauce. Stir continuously to ensure the slurry is fully incorporated and melts seamlessly into the mixture. Continue to heat the kale on medium-low heat at a gentle simmer. As the sauce heats, you’ll notice it gradually thickening. Keep stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even thickening. This process usually takes about 10 minutes until the mixture is thick and gently bubbling.
6. Adjust Consistency: The beauty of using a slurry is that you can control the final consistency. For thicker creamed kale, simply continue to cook the mixture for a few more minutes, allowing more of the coconut milk to reduce and the sauce to concentrate. For a slightly thinner creamed kale, reduce the cooking time after adding the slurry.
7. Taste and Season: During this final cooking stage, it’s the perfect time to taste the creamed kale and adjust the seasonings. You might want to add a little more salt, a dash of black pepper, extra garlic powder for a bolder flavor, or more nutritional yeast to enhance that cheesy, umami note. Season to your exact preference before serving.

By following these steps, you’ll achieve a perfectly thickened, creamy coconut kale that’s full of flavor and ready to be enjoyed.

Choosing the Best Kale for Creaming and Why it Matters

This recipe truly shines by incorporating the best of what different kale varieties have to offer. I specifically recommend using a blend of both Cal-Organic Farms Lacinato Kale and Cal-Organic Farms Green Kale to bring this recipe to vibrant life. The thoughtful combination of these two types is excellent because it provides a harmonious mix of textures and an appealing visual variation that makes the dish more interesting and enjoyable.

Lacinato kale, with its darker, almost bluish-green leaves and tender, crinkled texture, has a slightly milder, sweeter flavor that becomes incredibly silky when cooked. Green curly kale, on the other hand, boasts a more robust, slightly peppery flavor and a heartier, more voluminous texture that holds up well to cooking, adding delightful chewiness. Together, they create a balanced and satisfying mouthfeel.

To avoid an overflowing pan and ensure even cooking, I recommend grabbing a small bunch of each variety for this recipe. If you find you have an abundance of kale and it simply won’t fit into your skillet, you can always use half of each bunch or cook it in batches as suggested in the instructions.

My preference for Cal-Organic Farms goes beyond just this recipe. They are consistently my favorite source for organic greens. Their commitment to quality is evident, as their farms, facilities, and all produce meet and often exceed the rigorous USDA standards for organic certification. When you choose Cal-Organic Farms, you can genuinely taste and see the superior quality and meticulous care that goes into the cultivation and distribution of their produce.

Beyond its fantastic flavor and texture in this creamy dish, kale is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s packed with vitamins K, A, and C, as well as antioxidants and fiber. Incorporating kale into your diet, especially in such a delicious and comforting form, is an excellent way to boost your nutrient intake and support overall health. This recipe makes getting your greens in not just easy, but truly enjoyable!

 

Creative Swaps and Substitutions for Your Creamed Kale

One of the beauties of this Coconut Creamed Kale recipe is its adaptability. While it’s perfect as written, you can easily customize it to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

The secret to the incredibly creamy texture of this dish is, of course, the coconut milk. I’ve used lite coconut milk for a slightly lighter consistency, but if you prefer a richer, more decadent result, full-fat canned coconut milk will work beautifully and deliver a more intense creaminess with similar cooking outcomes. For those who aren’t keen on coconut flavor or prefer other options, you can absolutely substitute it with other plant-based milks. Unsweetened almond milk, cashew milk, or even oat milk would be excellent choices, though they may yield a slightly different flavor profile and a less pronounced “creamed” texture compared to the richness of coconut milk.

Even though this recipe is specifically for coconut creamed *kale*, its method is incredibly versatile and can be applied to virtually any leafy green you have on hand. Spinach would wilt down even quicker and offer a milder flavor, while Swiss chard would provide a lovely color and earthy taste. Collard greens, especially if cooked a bit longer until tender, would also be a fantastic choice for a heartier side. Feel free to experiment with your favorite greens or whatever you have in your fridge!

I personally love my Coconut Creamed Kale with a generous amount of nutritional yeast. It’s what gives this dish that distinct savory, slightly cheesy flavor without any dairy. However, if you’re not a fan of nutritional yeast or prefer a different flavor, you can certainly omit it entirely. For another cheesy kick, consider adding a sprinkle of vegan parmesan cheese (store-bought or homemade) at the end, or a tablespoon of white miso paste during the cooking process for an added layer of umami depth.

Don’t be limited by the ingredient list; use it as a starting point to create your perfect personalized batch of creamy, dreamy greens!

Tips for Entertaining with Coconut Creamed Kale

When hosting a gathering, especially during the busy holiday season, efficiency and presentation are key. This Coconut Creamed Kale recipe is an excellent choice, striking a perfect balance between ease of preparation and impressive results.

While this dish can be prepared in advance, its vibrant color and optimal texture are best enjoyed when it’s fresh off the stovetop. The good news is that because it comes together in under 30 minutes, it’s incredibly easy to whip up as a quick holiday side right before serving, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor for your guests. This makes it a stress-free option for your entertaining menu.

The rich and creamy nature of this kale means that one serving goes further than you might initially think. It’s quite satisfying, so a little can go a long way. However, if you’re feeding a larger crowd or simply want more leftovers (because who wouldn’t?), this recipe can easily be doubled or even tripled without any issues. Just make sure you have a sufficiently large pan to accommodate the increased volume of kale!

While delicious on its own, a plain serving of creamed kale might look a bit understated. To truly elevate its appearance for entertaining, a few simple garnishes can make all the difference. Before serving, try sprinkling a bit of extra nutritional yeast over the top for a lovely golden hue and a boost of cheesy flavor. Alternatively, a dash of vegan parmesan cheese or even some toasted breadcrumbs can add appealing texture and visual interest. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a few lemon wedges placed artfully alongside also brightens the dish and offers a lovely contrast. These small touches will make your Coconut Creamed Kale look as good as it tastes, ready to take its place on your festive table.

Serving Suggestions and Storage for Coconut Creamed Kale

Once your Coconut Creamed Kale is perfectly cooked and seasoned, it’s ready to be served warm and enjoyed. While it’s delicious on its own, a few optional toppings can elevate the experience even further.

I love serving mine with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice, which adds a bright, zesty counterpoint to the richness of the coconut sauce. A sprinkle of additional nutritional yeast or even some fresh herbs like parsley or chives can also enhance both the flavor and visual appeal. These simple additions are a fantastic way to add vibrant color to your plate and ensure you’re getting those essential greens in a truly enjoyable way.

This recipe is also a brilliant solution for that bunch of kale you’ve had lingering in the fridge, waiting for “later.” Instead of letting it go to waste, transform it into this creamy, flavorful side dish that everyone will love. It’s a fantastic way to reduce food waste and enjoy fresh, healthy produce.

Coconut Creamed Kale pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. It’s an ideal companion for roasted root vegetables, hearty grain bowls, grilled plant-based proteins, or as a vibrant side for holiday roasts. Its rich flavor and creamy texture make it a comforting addition to any meal, whether it’s a casual dinner or a special occasion.

Storage: Should you find yourself with any delicious leftovers, store the coconut creamed kale in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-5 days. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of water or vegetable broth during reheating if it has thickened too much.

Enjoy this delightful, versatile, and incredibly satisfying plant-based side dish!

Explore More Plant-Based Holiday Sides

Looking for more delicious and healthy plant-based options to complete your holiday menu or simply expand your repertoire? Here are some fantastic recipes that complement any festive spread:

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Hazelnut Butter Sauce

• Dijon Tahini Green Beans

• Candied Yams With Cacao Nibs & Pecans

• Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes With Almond Butter Gravy

• Harissa Roasted Cauliflower With Cranberries & Hazelnuts

• Roasted Squash & Arugula Salad

• Butternut Squash Noodle Cranberry Salad

• Tri-Colored Roasted Cauliflower Salad

• Vegan & Grain-Free Sweet Potato Casserole

• Stovetop Cauliflower Rice Stuffing

• Low-Sugar Orange Cranberry Sauce

• Delicata Chickpea Bake With Almond Butter “Gravy”

• 2-Way Low Sugar Cranberry Sauce

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Figs & Pecans

I Want to Hear From You!

If you embark on the culinary adventure of making this delightful Coconut Creamed Kale recipe, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Your feedback is invaluable and helps me create more delicious and exciting plant-based dishes for you to enjoy.

Please take a moment to leave me a comment, a star rating, and a review below. Your insights and suggestions help me understand what resonates most with you and how I can continue to bring you the best recipes.

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XO Lauren

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