This kale dish is inspired by my amazing salad I had at the Jimtown Store in Healdsburg this past weekend and also by the Ottolenghi recipe in his new cookbook, “Simple.” This is great served as a side topped with goat cheese or feta (for those eating dairy). You can also top this avocado and quinoa for a great #meatlessmonday main course!
Kale has become quite the trendy veggie over the last few years. There’s a reason for it! It’s packed with nutrients and it’s a super versatile ingredient to cook with. Some people can have a hard time digesting raw kale (like me!) so think about cooking it or massaging it to break down the tough fibers. Yes, massaging kale really is a thing - and it truly helps make it tastier and easier to consume and enjoy!
Health Benefits of Kale:
Kale has even more iron than beef (per calorie)! Iron helps form enzymes, cellular growth, and liver function among other things
Kale has more calcium than milk (per calorie)! Calcium is important for bone health and helping blood vessels move throughout the body.
It’s great for digestion with its high amount of fiber, plus the stems are full of prebiotics (they feed our probiotics), which promotes good gut health
It is an anti-inflammatory food with about a high amount of omega 3s
Ingredients (Serves 4 as a side)
1 bunch of kale (about 10 stems)
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp sherry vinegar (or another vinegar of your choice)
2 tsp whole grain mustard
Juice from 1/4 of a lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup toasted pumkin seeds
Sprinkling of dried tart cherries (or cranberries)
Directions:
Wash and dry kale. Remove kale from stems (save them for sautéing) and chop the leaves roughly.
Add all ingredients (but pumpkin seeds and cherries) to a bowl with the kale leaves and massage with your hands for about a minute or until kale softens
Let the kale salad rest for about 20 min before serving.
Add pumpkin seeds and cherries and serve
Option: Add cooked quinoa, avocado, and goat cheese for a substantial entree
For more information about the benefits of kale, check out these websites:
https://draxe.com/health-benefits-of-kale/
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4408/Eating-Kale-Top-10-Health-Benefits.html
