You’re probably familiar
with the kale dilemma. The
nutrient-dense, leafy greens are perhaps one of the best foods you can eat,
packed with anti-oxidants, vitamins, calcium and phytochemicals. Yet, kale doesn’t exactly inspire cravings. For many, kale is the “it” vegetable, while
others colorfully describe it as something resembling the skin of a dragon.
Kale is prolific at
Restoration Farm and a part of every distribution, although sometimes, you do
hear CSA members grousing just a little bit about all the bales of kale. (The summer the geese got the kale, it was
hard to tell if members were devastated or relieved.) It's crazy how much we get. It's like some pervasive alien life force. There were probably 25 giant leaves in the last distribution. Truth be told, I’ve learned to love it, but
with kale, timing is everything. If you
don’t seize the moment and cook, all those greens can get a little soft sitting
in the crisper.
This year I vowed to have
a better kale strategy then past summers.
My goal is to plan at least one kale recipe for each distribution, so
nothing goes to waste. With a recipe selected
in advance, I might actually reap the benefits of this healthy, power
food. This recipe for Shredded Chicken
with Kale and Lentils from Everyday Food is a delicious, weeknight meal. Using canned lentils for a fast shot of
protein, it’s a quick and easy pantry special and I’ve modified the recipe to
use a package of cooked diced chicken, so I can have it ready to eat in
minutes.
I’m a card-carry member of "Team Kale" now. I’m committed. I swear.
©2012 T.W. Barritt All Rights Reserved
I never cared for kale until a friend gave us some from his garden. What a difference "garden fresh" was compared to the supermarket kale.
ReplyDeleteI admit I don't use it very much, but I like the idea of it with the lentils. Happy 4th of July.
Sam
Another recommendation (and a recent discovery): make kale pesto, and freeze it in small containers for the winter. Fantastic, easy, full of garlic and goodness. There's a recipe on my blog.
ReplyDeleteHappy July, T.W! I recently read somewhere that Kale is the new "in" food. Oh where oh where I don't recall. Perhaps if I ate more Kale, I'd have a better memory. I sure am curious to see what other interesting goodies you come up with. Actually, I'm liking Lydia suggestion especially since I just bought a new freezer!!!
ReplyDeleteTry to stay cool these dog days of summer, and thanks for sharing!
Yaay, so glad to hear you have officially joined the kale fan club. I am a card-carrying member and kale evangelist. Garden kale does really have better flavor than the kale from the store too. This year I have curly green kale and Red Russian Kale in abundance and I'm about to plant some Tuscan kale for the fall!
ReplyDeleteHI TW - chicken and lentils sound like a great pairing. I'm a fan, usually like it in soups, but not overzealously...love the farm pics. Here's my favorite soup recipe: http://www.tastewiththeeyes.com/2011/10/tuscan-kale-soup-with-artichoke-chicken-sausage/
ReplyDeleteLL
I love kale! But I also love finding new things to do with it! Will be applying your ideas to my own Bale of Kale soon!
ReplyDeleteIt took me some time to figure out how to best prepare kale but now I can't go a week without it. I'm thinking of kale chips, sauteed kale in garlic and olive oil, and it goes very well in soup.
ReplyDeleteI grew kale for the first time in my fall garden this past season. I initially had no idea what do with it, but you soon find out there was plenty. I used it mostly in an Asian style salad, in soups and roasted.
ReplyDeleteI smile because there was definitely a point where you are thinking "Die, plant die!" It's was a gift that just kept on giving,
Hope all is well.
Velva
I love Kale and sausage and white beans. But in the summer it's kale salad... made with cavolo nero... not as shaggy. Had it in Brooklyn at Franny's years ago and just love it. garlic, bread crumbs, hot pepper, lemon... HEAVEN. I haven't tried it with regular kale but don't see why it won't work. Good for you to make kale work for you.
ReplyDeleteI must admit I don't do much with kale and I really must change my wicked ways. Your recipe is a great way to start. I hope you had a fabulous holiday. Blessings...Mary
ReplyDeleteLove your post title! :)
ReplyDeleteI've never been a great kale fan, but do love it in soups and my daughter loves it in her veggie drink, so I often have it in the house. I bet it's divine fresh from Restoration Farm!
Kale is so prolific in my garden -- I'm always looking for new recipes and ideas!Keep 'em coming!
ReplyDeleteDear T.W., I suppose I should give it another try. Your dish looks good and the kale looks tender.
ReplyDeleteIt is hot today and all I can truly think about is ice-cream recipes!!
I love peach salads too.
Have a great evening. Blessings my friend. Catherine
I use chard a lot; got turned off by kale after trying a recipe for kale chips; but kale sounds lovely used in a lentil salad or in any recipe to substitute swiss chard.
ReplyDeleteI am also a big lover for kale. But it is a very underused veggie here in Belgium.
ReplyDeleteI have never grown kale myself though, maybe next year. This kale recipe rocks! ;) Yum Yum Yum!