Kale?

what are some good idea's for kale. i have been wanting to try it for a while but can't find anything to make it.

I love kale.  I'll microwave kale (or collards, or chard) and add hot pepper oil.   Or saute it with tempeh and onions.  Those are my favorites.

Mmmmm, Kale!

I chop it and saute Kale wih a bit of olive oil, garlic, ginger and sometimes add a few chickpeas. Top with a splash of lemon juice.

I also chop and steam kale and then add it at the finish of most soups but especially white bean green chile or potato/leek soup. Kale holds up well under heat so it remains firm while you eat the soup.

As alevin noted, you can add it to stirfry. Raw kale is sometimes a bit rough of people as it has a strong taste raw but you can add it sparingly to salads.

I love Kale!!  It needs to be cooked a little longer than other greens, but it adds a nice flavor and "meaty" texture to dishes.  When I cook it I usually add it just after the onions are sauted, when I would add other harder vegetables like turnips or carrots.

As far as recipes, use it in addition too or as a substitute for other leafy greens or cabbage.  

cool...thanks a bunch

 

Kale and Bean Soup is a favorite.  My husband just found this recipe, but I haven't made it yet... http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Bean-and-Kale-Ra gu/Detail.aspx

I don't know if you eat eggs but I add kale to my egg white scrambles.  

I also use kale instead of grains or potatoes, chopped and sauteed over low heat in olive oil with a sprinkle of salt and loads of fresh ground pepper. 

How about a vegan version of the Portuguese soup Caldo Verde?  I make it all the time; in fact, I've got a pot on the stove now. 

Start by sauteing onion, shallots or leeks in a little olive oil.  Add plenty of minced garlic and (optional) a dried red chili pepper, or a few flakes of red pepper, some minced fresh parsley and a bay leaf.  Put in diced potatoes and washed, deveined and chopped kale.  Fill the pot with vegetable stock.   Simmer until the potatoes are done.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Kale has such a nice sweet taste and is packed with the best nutrition.

Claire, that sounds awesome.  I'll give that a try this week!  Thanks :D

i cooked some kale recently for the first time and it was delicious!
i just chopped it up in a large pot and cooked on low heat for a long time with a can of beans, some chopped dates, garlic and walnuts.  i was surprised how sweet and flavorful it turned out.

Original Post by clairelaine:

How about a vegan version of the Portuguese soup Caldo Verde?  I make it all the time; in fact, I've got a pot on the stove now. 

Start by sauteing onion, shallots or leeks in a little olive oil.  Add plenty of minced garlic and (optional) a dried red chili pepper, or a few flakes of red pepper, some minced fresh parsley and a bay leaf.  Put in diced potatoes and washed, deveined and chopped kale.  Fill the pot with vegetable stock.   Simmer until the potatoes are done.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Kale has such a nice sweet taste and is packed with the best nutrition.

ooooh...sounds good. will do. thanks a bunch!

Bake the leaves [no stems] with salt and spices in the oven til they're crispy! Don't knock it til you try it ;)

I have a juicer and I juice Kale along with other vegetables.  My personal favorite is carrot, apple, kale and ginger. 

Original Post by primadonna9396:

Bake the leaves [no stems] with salt and spices in the oven til they're crispy! Don't knock it til you try it ;)

 

wouldn't dare...thanks

I would NOT suggest microwaving ANY FOOD, but especially a food you are eating for nutrition, since microwaving DESTROYS all the good stuff in food period. Google it. you want to either eat it RAW (best) or lightly steam it. There is a great recipe for Mediteranean Kale in the veggie section of this site, basically barely steam then toss with balsamic, EVOO, and spices to taste but include cumin. Yum.

ooh it's also a nice addition to soups

From The New York Times: "Microwave ovens generally do not destroy nutrients in food." Link

The fact of the matter is that you retain more nutrients in your food if you microwave it than you would with many other methods of cooking.  So if you're going to cook your food (and really, it isn't realistic to consume all your veggies raw), then you should consider cooking it in a microwave. 

Original Post by clairelaine:

How about a vegan version of the Portuguese soup Caldo Verde? I make it all the time; in fact, I've got a pot on the stove now.

Start by sauteing onion, shallots or leeks in a little olive oil. Add plenty of minced garlic and (optional) a dried red chili pepper, or a few flakes of red pepper, some minced fresh parsley and a bay leaf. Put in diced potatoes and washed, deveined and chopped kale. Fill the pot with vegetable stock. Simmer until the potatoes are done. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Kale has such a nice sweet taste and is packed with the best nutrition.

 I'm portuguese, so it was really cool to see one of our dishes mentioned =P

Caldo Verde is really, really good!!! Where did you get your recipe from? 

its good steamed & sprinkled w/ balsamic vinegar and sesame seeds!

oh that sounds so good! I've added kale to my shopping list!

you can fry it but that not exactly healthy. you can steam it. eat it with other vegetables like a steamed salad. of i put it on burgers. i like the taste a lot. it's a lot thicker and tougher than lettuce though,

Original Post by primadonna9396:

Bake the leaves [no stems] with salt and spices in the oven til they're crispy! Don't knock it til you try it ;)

 i'll try that! i think it's good fried and seasoned in a stir fry cause it gets nice and crispy. but baking it would probably be healthier.