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by Sophie Grigson

Simple cavolo nero with chilli and garlic makes excellent as a side dish with roast chicken, or as a topping for bruschetta - griddle slices of good bread, rub with raw garlic, top with the cooked kale and then finish with a spoonful of mild, creamy goats' cheese.

Side dishes

Preparation

Cavolo nero can be used as a substitute in all recipes that require cabbage but it is particularly good in soups. The classic Tuscan soup, ribolitta, is traditionally left to sit for a day before serving to allow it to thicken and the flavours to develop. Cavolo nero is delicious simply fried in olive oil with garlic and chillies.