Kale!

Kale is like the new favorite green this year! 

I still love my other greens, but trying something new is always fun to me.  At my family party, I made kale chips for my family.  Most of the family did not want to try them, but I made them try it and they loved them!

Kale Chip Recipe

*Fun Tips About Kale*

-Also known as borecole

-When buying it: choose the firm, dark green leaves, and strong stems

-Store it unwashed in an air-tight bag for up to 5 days in the fridge

-Comes in different types: curly, ornamental, or dinosaur varieties (webmd)

-Belongs in the Brassica family along with cabbage, collards, broccoli, and brussels sprouts (Webmd)

-A good source of vitamins like: vit K, vit A, vit C, vit B6

-A good source of manganese, calcium, copper, and iron

-High in fiber (especially when cooked): lowers cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart disease

-Rich in two of the antioxidant carotenoids: leutein and zeaxanthin

-The antioxidants promote a healthy immune system, eye health, and defends cells from free radicals

-Make chips, sauté it, add to salads, stir-fry, casseroles, pizza, be creative!

Tonight I wanted to sauté the kale and see how I liked it.  It was actually really good! I sauteed kale, spinach, tomatoes, garlic, and chickpeas for dinner tonight(Recipe below).

 Chickpeas in tomato sauce with greens

Serves: 1

Total time: 20 min

Ingredients:

• 2 Teaspoons of oil (olive oil or coconut)
• 1 garlic clove
• 3 pieces of kale
• 1/2 cup spinach
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1/4 cup broth (chicken or vegetable)
• 1 Teaspoon basil (fresh or dry)
• 1 Teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 1/2 cup of chickpeas

DIrections:

1. Heat oil in a sauce pan.
2. Sauté kale, spinach, and garlic for about 5 min.
3. Add remaining ingredients. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Enjoy this nutritious meal! It would also be good with some mozzarella cheese!