Tamara Dulva
Right now, kale is one of the best buys at the farmer's market. Its crisp, green leaves are a treat for those who actually like cruciferous vegetables. Most southerners I know do like them, and are fans of any kind of greens, whether they're turnip greens, mustard greens, spinach, or collards.
Growing up, I remember my grandmother cooking kale just like she cooked any other kind of greens, in a huge pot with a generous chunk of pork fat. Today, we know that cooking with pork fat isn't a healthy choice, but that doesn't mean we have to sacrifice flavor when we cook kale, or any other greens for that matter.
Kale is a versatile veggie, and the ways it can be cooked may just surprise you. It can be as simple as a 1-2-3 sautee, or be glammed up for a dinner worthy of company. Plus, now that we know kale is loaded with antioxidants and can be an important part of the cancer-fighting diet, there's no good reason not to pick some up and cook it tonight.
These five are some of the best and most interesting kale recipes I've encountered.
Bobby Flay's Sauteed Kale Nothing could be easier than sauteed kale, but following southwestern chef Bobby Flay's recipe makes sure you season it perfectly. He gets kudos from me for using a vegetable broth, so it's as healthful as it is tasty.
Asian-Style Kale Recipe It's always tough to find a side dish that seems appropriate for Asian food besides the expected rice. This kale recipe is exotically spiced, but mostly uses seasonings you have in your cabinet (especially if you skip the sesame seeds, which are primarily a garnish). Kale tastes stupendously good this way.
Mashed Potato Cakes with Onions and Kale Recipe These are deliciously inventive as well as a good way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Try these at brunch with turkey or veggie sausage.
Baked Kale Chips Recipe You might be surprised to find the words "kale" and "chips" next to each other, but be brave and give these a try. Kale has so few calories, and it actually bakes up into a nifty crunchy snack. Fans of Terra chips should be pleased with these.
Kale, Sausage and Mushroom Stew Recipe I've saved the best for last with this savory stew from master Mark Bittman, one of my favorite celebrity chefs, and the man who brought gourmet cooking back to the everyday cook's kitchen. Like many of hs recipes, it's down-to-earth and not too difficult, but with amazing results. Sub turkey sausage for an even healthier meal.
I don't know about you, but I'm craving greens right now. Let me know if you try any of these kale recipes, or share your favorite cooking method for kale (or any other greens) with me. I love hearing from you almost as much as I love kale.
-Liz Kelly
Comments
Kale chips? That is a new one! I once had a pork roast that had Kale stuffed inside of it. It looked gross, but it tasted great!
For recipes involving kale and other fine ingredients have a look at "Ma Broons " cook book from the publisher DC Thompson of Dundee in Scotland
Just did the Bobby Flay's Sauteed Kale and it tastes delicious.
I just made the Flay Sautee, with a couple close substitutions.. it's easy and great! Wish I had made a double order..
IT'S THE FIRST TIME I EVER MADE KALE OR TASTED IT. GOOD EASY WAY TO GO.
Kale is my favorite green thing; I use it in all recipies calling for spinach (which I dislike...it's a texture thing).
And one simply cannot beat Lentil soup made with Kale replacing the standard spinach and White Kidney beans added for both color and flavor.
May go well with pot roast!
Sauteed kale using a 1940's recipe from "Woman's Home Companion
Cookbook. really good!!
Thanks for this article. Kale is super nutritious and we can never have enough ways to prepare it!
I make raw kale chips in a dehydrator. (Bet you can't eat just one!)
Judy Pokras
author
The Little e-Book of Raw Holiday Recipes
Kale 5 ways.
To prep any Kale for steaming anytime. Hold end of kale stem in one hand and Slide the kale off the stem with the other hand. Rip into pieces and toss into steamer.
Boil water and steam kale for about ten minutes until it is tender and emerald green in color. If you under-steam your kale, it will be tough; if you over-steam kale, it will be a dark, lifeless green.
1st Crispy Garlic Kale
Lots (whole bulb at least) of garlic chopped up and crispy fried in a little olive oil and add a pinch of salt at end of cooking
Slice avocado into bit size pieces, set aside.
Heap the crispy garlic and avacado all on top of a mess of emerald green steamed kale.
2nd Anytime Kale
Sramble eggs. Cook in sauté pan with butter or oil.
Toward the end of cooking the eggs, add a good clump of goat cheese.
Melt it into eggs.
Fluff up eggs and goat cheese.
Salt or spice to taste
Serve on top of Steamed Kale
Top with Salsa if desired.
3rd Brother Brad’s Deluxe
Never cooked with kale before. Always thought it was for garnish. Got some in the garden and I plan cok some up tonight.
Toss kale leaves with a bit of olive oil, place on to baking sheet, sprinkle with pepper and parmesan cheese. Broil or place in salamander for 10 min. Crispy, yummy kale chips!
Take kale leaves and toss in olive oil, place on baking sheet, sprinkle with parmesan and pepper. Broil or place in salamander for 10 minutes. Yummy, crispy kale chips!
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