Let Them Eat Kale!

Kale is the superstar of healthy food right now. Everything that is even a little bit good for you seems to be in kale: it's high in iron and calcium, fiber and antioxidants, omega fatty acids and hip factor. What's not to like?

For some people the answer to that question is, "The mystery. . . . and maybe the flavor a little bit too." There are those that find kale a little bitter, so they shy away from it. Most people, though, avoid kale at the grocery store mostly because they don't know what to do with it. "So, I just munch it off the stem as I watch tv? Or what?" 


When I was a kid, I told my babysitter that I was allergic to spinach. That was a lie mostly, except for the fact that cooked spinach really does make me gag. If I make it go down my throat, it doesn't stay long. As with spinach, so with all greens. Therefore, while I like the self-righteous feeling of eating a lot of healthy greens, I'm also kinda picky about how I eat them.

So maybe if you're looking for a place to start with the wonder food we call kale, you'll also like these, my favorite kale recipes. Click on the pictures for links to the recipes.

• Sesame, Kale, and Tofu Salad >> 

This is a mildly flavored powerhouse of nutrition right here. No cooking required, either: just assembling! (My favorite kind of "cooking!")

• Super Garlicky Kale >> 

I recommend toasting almonds for this recipe (just toss raw almonds on a hot, dry skillet for a few minutes) and if you can take it, don't skip the red pepper.

• Kale Chips >> 

Works well with variations, as well, such as parmesan or cayenne. And even people who say they don't like this vegetable love kale chips. Try 'em!

• I couldn't find a recipe for my personal favorite >>

A bunch of kale torn into bite-sized pieces
An avocado or two, diced
A few big tomatoes, diced
A couple tablespoons of olive oil
A tablespoon or so of lemon juice
a teaspoon each of salt and cayenne

Then massage and mush all the ingredients together until the kale softens a bit.