Crispy Baked Kale with Gruyere Cheese

Skill:  Easy  |  Serves:  4  |  Total Time:  1 Hour   |  Make Ahead  |  Vegetarian

Ingredients:
One 4-ounce piece of sourdough bread, crusts removed, bread torn into 1/2-inch pieces (2 cups)
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium shallot, minced
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
1 1/2 pounds kale, large stems discarded, leaves chopped
1 teaspoon chopped thyme leaves
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 1/4 cups shredded Tarentaise or Gruyè cheese (3 1/2 oz)

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°. Spread the bread on a baking sheet and toss with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Bake for 8 minutes, or until lightly toasted. Let the croutons cool on the baking sheet.
In a large, deep skillet, heat the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil. Add the shallot, onion and garlic and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, 7 minutes. Add the kale, cover and cook over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 15 minutes. Stir in the thyme and season with salt and pepper.
Transfer the kale to an 8-by-10-inch glass baking dish. Scatter the cheese over the kale and top with the croutons. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the croutons are golden. Let stand for 5 minutes, then serve.

Make Ahead:   The recipe can be made through Step 2. Store the croutons in an airtight container and the kale in the refrigerator overnight.

Source:  Sam Hayward

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