Kale. The superfood of the century. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, and it’s basically the poster child for healthy eating. But let’s face it – kale doesn’t exactly have a reputation for being delicious. In fact, some people might even describe it as tasting like cardboard or bland papery grass.
But fear not, I am here to help. As a seasoned kale-eater who’s worked hard to get family to add kale to our meal rotation, I have discovered some tips and tricks for making kale taste good. And don’t worry, they’re all practical and easy to implement. So let’s dive in!
Massage your kale
Yes, you read that right. Massaging your kale can actually make it taste better. Kale can be tough and bitter, but by massaging it with a little bit of olive oil and salt, you can break down the fibers and make it more tender. Not only that, but it can also help to reduce the bitterness. So go ahead, get your hands in there and give your kale a good rubdown. Note for recipe below. Baby kale does not require massaging as it’s already tender!
Add some flavor
Kale on its own can be pretty bland, so adding some flavor can really make a difference. Try tossing it with some garlic, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese for a tasty and easy side dish. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try making a kale pesto. Just blend up some kale, olive oil, garlic, and nuts (like almonds or walnuts) in a food processor and use it as a spread on sandwiches or a sauce for pasta.
Hide it
Yep, hide it in your food (Okay, so maybe this isn’t about making it taste good, but just flat out eating it while masking the flavor completely. Gotta do what a girl has gotta do to benefit while not gagging!)
If you really can’t stand the taste of kale, blend it into a smoothie with some fruit and yogurt, or chop it up finely and add it to soups, stews, or casseroles. The other ingredients will mask the flavor of the kale, but you’ll still get all the nutritional benefits.
Roast it
Roasting vegetables is a great way to bring out their natural sweetness, and kale is no exception. Just toss it with some olive oil and salt, spread it out on a baking sheet, and roast it in the oven until it’s crispy. You can even sprinkle it with some spices like cumin or paprika for some extra flavor.
Make kale chips
Kale chips are a crunchy and delicious snack that are surprisingly easy to make. Just tear the kale leaves into bite-sized pieces, toss them with some olive oil and salt, and bake them in the oven until they’re crispy. You can even get creative with the seasoning – try adding some chili powder for a little extra kick.
And there you have it – five practical tips for making tasty kale. Remember, eating healthy doesn’t have to be a chore – with a little bit of creativity and some massaging, you can turn even the most boring vegetables into a delicious and satisfying meal. Bon appétit!
Baby Kale Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa dry
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup baby kale chopped
- 1/2 cup tomato chopped
- 1/2 cup cucumber chopped
- 1/2 avocado chopped
- 3/4 cup garbanzo beans
- 1/4 cup feta
- 1/2 lemon squeezed
- 3 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp parsley fresh
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa. Bring water and quinoa to boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook for approximately 15 minutes. Water should have disappeared on top layer of the quinoa. Remove from heat and let set for about 5 minutes.
- Cut all vegetables while quinoa is cooking and set aside.
- Mix vinaigrette in a separate bowl by blending the oil, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and parsley together.
- Fluff quinoa, mix in vegetables and toss with vinaigrette. Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
- Total Fat 13.8g
- Saturated Fat 2.6g
- Cholesterol 6mg
- Sodium 184mg
- Total Carbohydrate 37.5g
- Dietary Fiber 7.9g
- Total Sugars 3.7g
- Protein 10.6g
Share your tips for tasty kale! How have you added kale into your meals or dishes to enjoy the healthy benefits of this very difficult vegetable?