Just for the kale of it

The new fad in health foods is kale. Either you love it or you hate it.

So why is this leafy green getting so much attention. This is considered a super food.

1. Kale is very low in calories, high in fiber and has zero fat.
2. Kale is high in iron.
3. Kale is high in vitamin K.
4. Kale is filled with powerful antioxidants.
5. Kale is a great anti-inflammatory food.
6. Kale is great for cardiovascular support.
7. Kale is high in vitamin A.
8. Kale is high in vitamin C.
9. Kale is high in calcium.
10. Kale is a great detox food.
11. Kale is a good source of protein.

 

 

Kale has sort of a bitter taste. It can be hard to get used to. I know the first few times I tried it I did not really care for it. Now I eat it pretty much everyday. The thing is the first few times I tried it I didn't really know what to do with it. I just put it directly in a salad, and it was very bitter and unexpected. Now I have researched some and figured out the best ways to prepare it (in my opinion). So here are some of my favorite recipes.

 

 

Kale chips (a great snack recipe for children and adults)

3 large handfuls of organic kale torn into shreds

1/4tsp sea salt

1/4tsp smoked paprika

1/4 organic garlic

1-2tbsp organic olive oil

 

Preheat the oven to 350 and line a pan with foil

Rinse the leaves and then pat them to dry or if you have a salad spinner dry them in there.

In a bowl mix the oil with the leaves. Arrange them on a pan and bake for 12 minutes. Check them you don't want them to turn brown. After they are done baking add the seasonings to them.

 

Green smoothie (you can use different fruits if you would like)

1/4 c water

4-6 ice cubes

4 whole organic strawberries (include the green tops)

1 organic celery stalk

3 handfuls of organic kale

1/4 cup diced organic mango

2 organic

kiwis diced

1tsp chia seeds

 

Add it all in the blender and hit blend

 

Sautéed kale

3 cups kale coarsely chopped

2tbsp organic coconut oil

1/2 cup chopped organic red onion

2 organic garlic cloves

5 chopped organic portabella mushrooms

1/2 cup organic vegetable broth

sea salt and pepper

 

Heat coconut oil in a large pan and add the onion and garlic. Cook it until soft not brown.  Add the stock, kale and mushrooms. Cook for 5 minutes covered. Remove the cover and cook until the liquid evaporates. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

 

Kale salad

3 cups organic kale (midribs removed)

1 cup roasted organic chickpeas

1 organic cucumber sliced

1/2 cup organic cherry tomatoes (cut in half)

1 organic avocado sliced

Fresh squeezed lemon juice

 

I try to find ways to add kale to my recipes. I have put it in meatballs, spaghetti sauce, soups etc...These are a few recipes that I use a lot. Here is a link with many many more kale recipes. Please add your favorite kale recipes in the comments.

 

http://www.rachelcooks.com/2014/01/18/kale-recipes-2/