[dropcap style=”font-size: 60px; color: #9b9b9b;”] F[/dropcap]irst things first. I just want to wish you a very Happy New Year! I hope you have some exciting things planned.
I have a heap of projects I’m super excited about including buying a little farm house. And hopefully later in the year ‘finding’ a baby brother or sister for Fergal.
So I thought we’d start the new year in a big way! I’m super excited about an idea I got from one of my students the lovely Katie Lee. Katie took my very first online cooking class, solve your dinner dilemma back in 2010. Any she had the brilliant idea to do a series of posts focusing on different ways to prepare different vegetables. Such a great idea!
So I thought I’d kick things off with one of my all time favourite veg. That also happens to be one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet.
Yes my friend today it’s all about kale!
What’s so great about kale?
As I mentioned above kale is one of the most nutrient dense foods. Apart from the obvious vitamins (A, C, B6, E) and minerals (manganese, calcium, potassium, iron) it has a relatively high level of protein (for a vegetable).
Even better, it contains a number of chemicals that are thought to reduce the risk of cancer.
And did I mention it’s delicious?
How to choose kale
There are hundreds of varieties of kale. The most common are curly kale and the darker coloured black Tuscan kale (also known as cavolo nero, lacinato kale or dinosaur kale).
Mostly sold in bunches or as loose leaves of baby kale. Pretty much you’re looking for vibrant green leaves with no signs of wilting. Smaller leaves tend to have a milder (less bitter) flavour so if you’re trying to turn a fussy eater into a kale-lover best to stick to the baby leaves.
How to store kale
It will last for 1-2 weeks in the fridge wrapped in a plastic bag.
Mise en place
To store for longer, rinse kale and slice crosswise into ribbons. You can remove the stems if you like but I don’t usually bother. Cook over a medium heat with a little oil or butter in a large pan. Keep the pan covered so the kale can steam and stir every few minutes. Will take about 5 minutes. Keep refrigerated in a container for 3-4 weeks.
9 kale recipe ideas
1. Raw in a salad
One of my favourites, just finely slice and toss in your favourite salad dressing. I particularly like this green chickpea salad if you need a recipe.
2. Wilted with lemon
See below for my latest kale-centric obsession.
3. Kale Curry
Wilt kale into your favourite curry. Or use instead of the spinach leaves in this lamb saag.
4. Soup
The Tuscans have a famous soup called ribolitta with is basically minestrone with some stale bread and kale wilted through it. I love how the kale adds its beautiful dark green colour. I also often use kale in my refrigerator soup.
5. Kale ‘chips’
Perfect for when you feel like a healthier salty snack than potato chips. Toss kale leaves in a little oil and bake on a tray for 10 minutes or until crisp. Also good with parmesan grated over.
6. Topping for pizza
A favourite in our house is this kale and onion pizza.
7. With poached eggs for breakfast
Something I have at least once a week. Just serve the kale leaves whole if small or sliced. Fergal is a fan of ‘gumming’ raw kale with a little egg yolk smeared on one end. And here’s my poached egg recipe if you need some tips.
8. Kale Stir Fry
Like this ground beef with kale. It’s also great with oyster sauce as a substitute for Chinese broccoli or bok choy.
9. Kale with chorizo
Another all time favourite dinner around here.
How to grow kale
A bonus section for garden lovers. I’ve had heaps of luck growing kale. Just plant the seeds directly in the ground in Autumn (Fall) and it will grow right through the Winter. It will withstand severe frosts and actually tastes sweeter after the first frost.
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Addictive Lemony Kale
Inspired by my latest favourite YouTube cooking show, Bondi Harvest.
This is the type of thing I love to make when it’s just me for dinner. If I’m not super hungry I’ll just have a heaping bowl of the kale on it’s own because (IMHO) you can never have too much kale. But if I’m ravenous I’ll add some protein in the form of a poached egg or some cheese.
Enough for 1-2
large hunk of butter
1 bunch kale
1 clove garlic, finely chopped or crushed, optional
3-4 tablespoons lemon juice
1-2 handfuls ricotta, optional
1. Heat butter on a medium heat in a largish saucepan.
2. Wash kale. Don’t dry as the water will help it steam. Cut into ribbons about 2cm (1in) or finer across the stem.
3. Add kale and garlic to the pot. Cover and cook stirring every few minutes until the kale has wilted down. Will take about 5 minutes.
4. Remove from the heat and stir in lemon juice. Season and serve with ricotta on top, if using.
VARIATIONS
dairy-PALEO free – use olive or coconut oil instead of the butter and serve the kale on its own or replace the cheese with a poached egg or some cooked chicken breast or thigh.
vegan – use olive or coconut oil instead of the butter and serve the kale on its own or replace the cheese with a huge handful of roasted nuts or chunks of avocado.
no kale? – will work with pretty much any greens such as spinach, baby spinach, chard (silverbeet), collard greens, beet tops.
different cheese – I’ve used ricotta here but most cheese will work well. Try goats cheese, parmesan, blue cheese, cottage cheese, cheddar, or some pan fried halloumi.
With love,
Jules x
ps. What vegetable would you like to see me profile next on Stonesoup? Let me know in the comments below :)
