Keep it Simple with Kale

© Jvezzani | Dreamstime.com - Crisp organic green lacinato kale

Kale.  The darling of the vegetable world these past few years.   And for good reason.  As a dark green leafy cruciferous vegetable, kale supports your body's natural detoxification process.  And, as a great source of magnesium, potassium, calcium and chlorophyll - all of which help signal our parasympathetic nervous system - kale also helps create a calmer, more relaxed you.  

My favorite kale is lacinato or "dinosaur" kale (pictured above).  I love the flavor and texture and it is delicious cooked or raw.   It's always easy to add a handful of kale into your protein shake or salad, or to sautee quickly with some olive oil and garlic, but I thought you may enjoy a few more recipes.  Hope you love adding kale to your day as much as I do! 

Simple Raw Kale Salad

Raw Kale Salad © 2016 Mariposa Living

 My tastebuds often yearn for crunchy, salty, and maybe just a bit of sour.  So, instead of reaching for chips, I'm going here instead:

• 1 bunch of lacinato (dinosaur) kale 
• 1-2 tsp of high quality olive oil
• juice of 1/2-1 lime
• sea salt to taste

Trim the ends off the lacinato kale.   Roll the leaves together and then cut into thin slices (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch). Place in large bowl and drizzle with olive oil (careful not to overdo).  Knead with your hands to "break up" the toughness of the kale. Then add fresh lime juice and sea salt to your liking and knead a little more.
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You're left with a crunchy, slightly salty delight with a hint of lime. It's better than chips! (Especially since you know it's not only delicious but good for you!)

Kale Krisps

This is a crowd pleaser and another good substitute for chips.

• ​1 bunch of kale (any variety)
• 1-2 tsp olive oil
• Sea salt
• Nutritional yeast

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.  Cut or tear kale into bite sized hunks and place in large bowl.  Drizzle with olive oil and mix with your hands to "soften" kale.  Don't overdo the oil or you may be left with soggy krisps.

Place kale on baking sheet in single layer.  Sprinkle with sea salt and nutritional yeast.  If you've never tried nutritional yeast before, you're in for a treat.  It adds a punch of nutrients and a slightly nutty, cheesy taste.

Bake at 350 for about 10-15 minutes until edges are brown, not burned.

Next time - if you're feeling daring - experiment with other flavors and seasonings.  It's hard to go wrong.

Kale Krisps, before baking. © 2016 Mariposa Living

Add Kale to Soup

Kale is also a wonderful addition to soups, as I've blogged about here  and here.

Tuscan White Bean Soup with Kale. © 2016 Mariposa Living

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Adding a little kale into your life doesn't have to be boring or tasteless - it can be delicious, satisfying AND help re-direct you from other choices which challenge you.  Enjoy!

​Lorie