Kale is one of the best vegetables you can eat.
It is high in fiber, has 7 times the betacarotene of broccoli, and is packed with vitamins C, A, E, Folic Acid, Calcium, Lutein and Iron! I even has something called sulforaphane which is a phytochemical that helps your body release the many carcinogens we’re exposed to on a daily basis.
I have many raw Kale recipes that I can share with you if you’d like, but for now, here is one that the whole family will love. It’s hearty and…most importantly, it’s raw which means all of the natural enzymes of the Kale are still alive and active.
Tuscan Kale Salad
1 large bunch kale (choose any kind that calls to you; there are many types)
1 slice country style bread or 1/4c fresh bread crumbs
1 clove garlic
1/4 c plus 2 TBS finely grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan Reggiano cheese divided
4 TBS olive oil divided
Juice of 1 lemon freshly squeezed
1/4 tsp coarse sea salt (please use coarse)
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Trim off bottoms of the kale stems and discard.
Pile of the kale leaves and slice them into ribbons about 1/2 to 3/4 inches wide.
You should have 5-6 cups Kale.
Place the kale in a large serving bowl and set aside.
Toast the bread lightly, then pulse in a food processor or rub on the large holes of a cheese grater to make course crumbs. If using fresh bread, spread on baking pan and toast very lightly.
Pound the garlic into a paste in a mortar with a pestle or with the back of a large knife. Place the garlic in a small bowl. (if you’re using a mortar, you can just make the dressing there)
Add 1/4 c cheese, 3 TBS olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper flakes and pepper and whisk to combine.
Pour over the Kale and use tongs or hands to toss well and thoroughly combine. Let stand at least 15 minutes.
Add bread crumbs, remaining cheese and drizzle the rest of the olive oil on top and toss again before serving. I like it oily…the cheese, bread crumbs, salt and oil are divine!
xo
Serves 4
recipe adapted from the NYTimes
Image Courtesy of Dwight Sipler at Flickr Creative Commons