This veggie tends to illicit a strong response from people…we either love it or hate it. I have noticed some of the ‘haters’ haven’t actually ever tried it…so give it a chance before you cross it off your list! 🙂
This has been a trendy veggie for a while so people have come up with some truly ridiculous ways to eat it and overstated it’s nutritional effects. It won’t cure cancer, depression or heart disease…but it may help prevent all 3 of those (and many more conditions).
So, what is kale and what’s so great about it?
- It’s a leaf. If you grow this in your garden it can get huge and keeps going all season…it’s a great veggie to try because it’s hardy. Some varieties have curly, frilly leaves while others are broad and flat. It can be green or purple in color. Unless you’re eating baby kale you’ll want to remove the center rib because it’s tough.
- Kale has very few calories, but is packed with Vitamins C, K and A. It also contains antioxidants (substances that help remove oxidizing agents that can harm our cells) and omega-3 fatty acids (the ‘good’, unsaturated fat), which is why isn’t sometimes called a ‘superfood.’
- If buying fresh, look for bright leaves that aren’t wilted. Don’t wash it until you’re going to use it and keep it in the crisper in an opened bag. It can also be found in the freezer section, usually close to spinach.
- If your kale is coming from a CSA or farmer’s market it might still have some grit on it. The easiest way to clean it is by submerging it in a bowl of water and moving the leaves around. Drain in a colander or salad spinner. It may take 2-3 times to remove all the grit.
Ways to try eating it:
- Baby kale is great in salads. Some people like just a bit mixed in with other greens, others like a whole bowl of kale. These tender leaves can also be used in place of taco shells…it’s a little messy, but yummy! Do what makes you happy!
- Larger leaves are better sauteed, cooked in soups, baked into chips or used in smoothies.
- Kale chips: If you’re new to kale and want your family to give a try, this is the recipe to try! http://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/kale-chips-110071
- Kale and White Bean Soup: fast, easy, inexpensive and a family favorite. https://www.marthastewart.com/1142463/black-kale-and-white-bean-soup-barley
- I’ve posted this before, but it’s worth repeating. I get recipes requests every time I bring it somewhere. https://abeautifulmess.com/2017/11/creamy-kale-harvest-salad.html
- If you’re a bit adventurous this recipe is delicious! https://pinchofyum.com/sweet-potato-peanut-soup
- Maybe you just want the kale on this side…this pesto would work perfectly. https://pinchofyum.com/5-minute-vegan-kale-pesto
- Kale can be used in place of spinach in many recipes, including smoothies. Here’s one example: https://pinchofyum.com/the-best-green-smoothie
**Quick note: Kale is a tougher green and upsets some people’s stomachs. If you fall into this category you might do better with baby kale, blended (like in smoothies) or fully cooked (like in the soup). If it still doesn’t work well for you, move on to another green…there are hundreds to choose from! ***
Enjoy!
