You may have noticed that kale has become quite popular in the last year or so. The attention, in my opinion, is deserved. Here are seven awesome things you can do with kale, a healthy, beautiful and delicious vegetable:
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Salad! Try substituting kale for romaine for your next Caesar salad. Chop the kale finely and toss it with a Caesar dressing to surprise your guests with a new twist. The kale will stand up more heartily to the dressing than romaine and is an exciting change to traditional Caesar.
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Soup! Try on Caldo Verde, a traditional Portuguese stew that has a flavorful, light broth, potatoes, sausage, and lots of kale. Of course it’s warm and comforting on a cold winter night, but it’s also light and fresh, and could be a great starter for a summer meal outside.
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Make your own kale chips! I’m sure you’ve seen kale chips in the store, but try baking your own. Experiment with flavor combinations like soy sauce and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired flair, or Parmigiano Reggiano, olive oil and garlic for Italian. You can play with herbs as well to create an exciting and healthy snack.
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Fold kale into an omelette for a healthy and colorful brunch, with feta cheese for salt and creaminess.
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Finally, experiment! Try substituting kale for other leafy green vegetables in your recipes. You can play with a Southern twist and cook kale as you would Collard greens (slow cooking and richly flavorful) or try even a simple sauté with onions or garlic that will bring out the brightness in the kale.
Try all types of kale: curly, Tuscan (also known as Dinosaur and Lacinato kale), and purple kale. You can mix varieties for color and presentation, and enjoy the delicious, healthy, and easily prepared delights of kale.
