Kale has become increasingly popular with real foodies in recent years, and for good reason.
With high levels of iron, vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, anti-inflammatory properties, and antioxidants, this leafy green provides many health benefits.
Its taste, however, can leave something to be desired.
These 5 simple recipes bring new flavor to a somewhat bitter green, and make it easy to get all the goodness of kale, and thoroughly enjoy it too.
1. Kale Chips
With only 4 ingredients, these kale chips from Kath Eats Real Food mimic the taste of real potato chips, but with much fewer fat and calories, and a lot more nutrition. Tossed in olive oil, salt and parmesan cheese, they crisp up nicely in the oven, and make a great afternoon snack.
2. Green Smoothie
Green smoothies are an easy and delicious way to get more greens and other fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet in one glass. Even children will willingly gulp down their greens when they come packaged with sweet pineapple and mangos as in this smoothie from A Spicy Perspective. Pineapple and mangos are both a good source of vitamin C, making this smoothie a great choice for breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack.
3. Green Goddess Kale Slaw
This tasty twist on traditional cole slaw from Daily Bites makes eating kale delicious! Not only do you get the nutritional benefit of kale, but also broccoli, carrots, sprouts, and more. The dressing has vitamin E rich avocado and apple cider vinegar, which is good for immunity.
4. Kale Salad With Pecorino and Walnuts
There are dozens of kale salad recipes on the internet today, but this one stands out from the rest. The pecorino cheese gives this salad a nice bite, and the walnuts provide crunch and a hefty dose of heart healthy fat. Smitten Kitchen’s kale salad makes a great side dish, snack or entree.
5. Peasant Style Potato and Kale Soup
Sausage and Kale soup has made a come back lately, and it’s no wonder, with it’s slight spiciness and creamy texture. The Daily Green’s variation contains chorizo sausage, but majors on potatoes and kale, keeping the cost down and the flavors up. This soup is made with stock, which has immune enhancing abilities, and 6 whole cloves of garlic, which helps fight off bacteria and viruses.