Kale question: Sometimes I feel like a newbie all over again in the kitchen

K

karennoca

Well-known member
With the popularity of kale, I gave grown it, cooked it, tossed it, and cooked again. I realized I just did not like kale except in soups, can't bring myself to eat it raw...yet. Slowly, I am liking it better.

Last week I found a beautiful bunch of Chou Frisé Vert or also known as green kale. I took out the tough stem, cut it into bite size pieces and sauteed in a little evoo, salt and pepper, then added a touch of apple cider vinegar, chicken stock and cooked until tender to my liking. It goes from a beautiful bright green to sort of a gray green.

Is there a method to keeping it that bright green, or do I need to learn to eat it a bit on the crispy side?

 
Please do try it in a massaged salad some time. It is tender and delicious. I think

baking soda is supposed to preserve color in cooked greens.

 
I'm with you--don't like it much except in salads and soups. But I think if you saute it,

it should be very quick--just barely wilted. And it is best to use only the youngest leaves.

 
Are you a fan of smoothies, Karen? This Kale and Pear Green Smoothie in the Vitamix is one of

my all time favorites. It's especially nice at warmer times of the year, due to the icy-cold-goodness but we've been having it the past few weeks too, even though it's still technically still 'winter' here in Northern California. I believe I read that you may have a Vitamix? if so, I recommend giving it a go. You won't taste the kale....or I should say that I surely don't (though I really like kale and don't have a problem with it in any form or preparation). To me this smoothie just tastes clean and light and refreshing and full of goodness.

Kale and Pear Green Smoothie

1 cup green grapes
1 orange, peeled
1/2 Bartlett pear, seeded (Pat's note: I use a whole pear)
1 fresh banana, peeled
1 cup kale
1/2 cup water
2 cups ice cubes

Recipe is for the Vitamix 5200 blender with standard 64 oz container. If you use a different Vitamix, you may need to make adjustments to the Variable speed, processing time or the quantity of ingredients.

Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure lid. Select Variable 1. Turn machine on and slowly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High. Blend for 45 seconds or until desired consistency is reached.

Source: http://www.surlatable.com/product/REC-224994/Kale-and-Pear-Green-Smoothie
Pat’s note: Delicious and refreshing. Sometimes I also add chia seeds or ground flaxseed or lately I’ve been adding a scoop of protein powder.

 
That sounds very good Pat, thanks. i have had smoothies with kale and liked them >

I do not have a Vitamix, but have a Ninja Bullet which does a fine job of smoothies. I bet this would be excellent substituting a Tbs. or two of avocado in place of the banana. I always have a banana or two on my counter so will try that first.

 
Something happened along the cooking, eating cycle with my kale last night

I added a bit more vinegar at serving and it was a deep green again. I had the rest for lunch today, and it was even greener. I liked it.

 
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