Kale is one of Nature's gifts.
I didn't grow up eating kale; in fact, I haven't enjoyed this power-house veggie in my home until the last few years. There are many good, solid reasons to make kale a part of your diet. Here are some highlights:
Kale is a great source of:
- Antioxidants
- Anti-inflammatory nutrients
- Anti-cancer nutrients
Specifically:
- Beta carotene (which converts to Vitamin A in your liver)
- Vitamin K (linked to intestinal disorders; needed for blood clotting)
- Vitamin C, Lutein and Zeaxanthin
- Calcium (HIGH in useable Calcium; excellent for osteoporosis)
- Chlorophyll, Iron, Potassium
- a host of important nutrients, vitamins + a long list of minerals
Kale can be a bit 'chewy' and if you prefer your greens a little more on the 'tender' side, here are a few tips:
When steaming kale, add the greens to the steamer basket when the water is already boiling. Use a tight-fitting lid.
The kale will soon become a deeper green. Like all greens, they don't take long!
When done, remove from the steamer with tongs easily. This quickly stops the cooking process to ensure maximum nutritive value. Experiment with a drizzle of sesame oil, or squeeze of lemon or lime.
One of my favourite ways to serve steamed greens like kale or dandelion is to toss with this simple 'dressing':
Creamy Tahini- Tamari Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1 tablespoon tahini
- 1-2 tablespoon tamari
Instructions
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This is a guideline, as are many of my recipes.
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Add more tamari if needed or adjust to suit yourself.
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In a Mason jar (or whatever is handy), add all ingredients, add a lid and shake.
Recipe Notes
This is SO simple to make. Very tasty. You won't need to use all of this at once. It keeps in the fridge for 2-3 days.
If you have fresh sesame seeds on hand; sprinkle on the Kale after you've tossed it in this dressing.
Ensure that the kale has been chopped into small pieces, and either allow to marinate in this mixture for a while, or literally massage the mixture into the kale with your hands. Either way, the kale will soften and offer up a highly potent nutrient-packed salad!
Whichever way you decide to experiment with Kale -- your body will thank you for the nutrient boost!
Please share your ideas in the comments!!
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