Roasted Kale Tahini
+4 photos

Roasted Kale Tahini

8 servings
This roasted kale proves that a little salt, heat, and a lemony tahini drizzle can transform a humble green into a star side dish.

Ingredients

  • tahini
    2 tbsp
  • water

    plus more if needed, 15 ml

    1 tbsp
  • lemon zest

    plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice from 1 lemon, 15 ml

    ½ tsp
  • garlic

    minced, divided

    2 cloves
  • curly kale

    rinsed and stems removed, cut into roughly 1 1/2- to 2-inch pieces

    1 ½ lb
  • extra-virgin olive oil
    2 tbsp
  • diamond crystal kosher salt; for table salt

    use half as much by volume

    ¾ tsp
  • shallot

    thinly sliced

    1 medium
  • toasted sesame seeds
    2 tsp
  • toasted coriander seeds

    cracked into pieces, optional

    1 tsp
  • nigella seeds

    optional

    1 tsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat oven to 400°F (205 °C). In a small bowl, whisk tahini, 2 tablespoons water, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon oil, and half of garlic together to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and adjust consistency with extra water as needed until sauce slowly drips from spoon; set aside.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Place kale in a large bowl, and drizzle with 2 tablespoons oil. Add remaining half of garlic, lemon zest, and 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt; massage firmly with clean hands until starting to wilt and becomes tender, about 1 minute. Add shallots, and toss to combine.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Spread kale and shallots on a rimmed baking sheet, and cook until kale has started to steam and become crisp around some of the edges, about 5 minutes. (Kale mixture may seem like a lot to start but will significantly wilt as it cooks.) Remove from oven and stir and toss well, ensuring mixture is spread evenly across baking sheet. Return to oven and continue to roast until edges of leaves are crisp and browned on top and kale and shallots are tender, 5 to 10 minutes.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    Transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, crushed coriander seeds, and nigella seeds, if using. Drizzle with tahini sauce and serve.

    Step 4
Roasted Kale Tahini
+4

Roasted Kale Tahini

20 min8 servings90 cal

Similar Recipes

Garlic Butter Kale Rice

Garlic Butter Kale Rice

A great side that combines rice with loads of kale - but you'd never guess! Everyone loves the buttery, garlicky flavour! Scrunching the kale with olive oil and salt before tossing into the rice is a great trick for making the kale tastier and softer.

30 minutes5 servings225 kcal
Roasted Vegetables with Creamy Tahini-Yogurt Dressing

Roasted Vegetables with Creamy Tahini-Yogurt Dressing

A vibrant and nutritious sheet pan dinner featuring roasted chickpeas and an array of vegetables paired with a creamy tahini-yogurt dressing. This vegan-friendly dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.

45 minutes4 servings292 kcal
Sesame Tahini Dressing

Sesame Tahini Dressing

A slightly sweet, salty dressing that's perfect over warm grains.

Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes with a Honeyed Tahini Drizzle

Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes with a Honeyed Tahini Drizzle

Perfectly tender and beautifully golden sweet potato rounds! The creamy, nutty honeyed tahini drizzle is optional, but expertly toes the line between sweet and savory. Make this side dish for holiday parties, Thanksgiving, or to elevate your weeknight dinner routine all winter long.

60 minutes6 servings294 kcal
Roasted Beet Kale Salad

Roasted Beet Kale Salad

65 minutes300 kcal
Chopped Broccoli Salad with Tahini Dressing

Chopped Broccoli Salad with Tahini Dressing

Who says raw veggies need to be be boring?! This easy chopped broccoli salad with tahini dressing definitely proves otherwise. So much flavor in every bite of this delicious vegan salad.

20 minutes6 servings198 kcal
Simple Kale Salad

Simple Kale Salad

This is the BEST kale salad recipe! It is made with fresh, hearty kale, Parmesan cheese, toasted almonds, dried cranberries, and a fresh lemon balsamic dressing. Enjoy for lunch or serve along side any meal.

15 minutes
Roasted Cauliflower Steak

Roasted Cauliflower Steak

These thick slabs of cauliflower steak are delicious, well-seasoned, and satisfying. And they are so easy to make!

40 minutes4 servings109 kcal

Ratings & Reviews

Be the First to Rate

Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!

About this Recipe

Tired of lackluster greens? This Roasted Kale Tahini recipe will transform your humble kale into an incredibly flavorful and satisfying side dish. Forget steamed or boiled; with a little heat and a vibrant lemon-tahini drizzle, you'll discover a side that steals the show and leaves everyone asking for more. This is an easy way to elevate your weeknight meals or add a sophisticated touch to special occasions.

What makes this roasted kale so special is the synergistic combination of textures and flavors. Roasting the kale with olive oil and kosher salt coaxes out its natural sweetness and gives it irresistible crisp edges. Then, it's brightened by a zesty tahini sauce, made with fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic, creating a creamy counterpoint to the crunchy greens. A sprinkle of aromatic shallots and toasted sesame seeds adds layers of texture and depth that truly make this side dish shine.

Expect a delightful interplay of textures in every bite: tender yet slightly crispy kale, complemented by the creamy, tangy tahini dressing. The addition of fresh garlic and bright lemon cuts through the richness, while toasted sesame, coriander, and nigella seeds provide an earthy, nutty finish. This simple preparation highlights kale's best qualities, turning it into a dish even kale skeptics will love. It's a naturally wholesome option that feels indulgent.

Customization & Variations

This versatile roasted kale with tahini sauce is easy to adapt. If curly kale isn't available, you can use Lacinato (dinosaur) kale, just ensure it's stemmed and cut into similar pieces. For a different flavor profile, swap the toasted coriander and nigella seeds for red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or simply stick with the toasted sesame seeds for a classic finish. You can also adjust the lemon juice and water in the tahini dressing to achieve your preferred consistency and tanginess.

Serve this roasted kale tahini as an ideal companion to grilled chicken, pan-seared fish, or a hearty grain bowl. Its bold flavors make it a standalone star, but it also beautifully complements richer main courses, adding a vibrant and nutritious element to any plate.

Frequently Asked Questions