Sunday, February 22, 2009

KKK (Kristens Krispy Kale)


I love kale. I crave it.
Upon first introduction to kale I was not impressed. Its tough, fiberous, and usually needs to be cooked to be digestable. Superfood, my ass. Though I may have some residual resentment, having to process several pounds of kale everyday is a little mind numbing (one of my former BloLo duties). Kale is a little rough around the edges but once you start sneaking into your stirfrys and mixing it into your mashed taters, you too, will crave it.
So there are many varieties of kale to choose from but these three are the most commonly found red russian, curly, and lacinato or dinosaur. Kale is high in vitamins C, K, A and high in fiber. The best variety to choose for this recipe is curly (see photo). Otherwise the kale will just wilt and end up sticking to the pan.

KKK (Kristens Krispy Kale)

Preheat oven to 350F

  • 1 bunch Kale
  • Olive oil or Flax oil
  • Nutritional yeast
  • Salt
To process kale, the fastest and most efficient technique was taught to me by the lovely folks at the BloLo. Hold the stem of the leaf firmly with one hand and with the other pinch the stem at the base of the leaf with your thumb and forefinger. Then with one swift, quick motion strip the stem of the leaf. Voila. Easy as pigs in shit. Do the whole bunch. Next you wanna soak those guys to be rid of dirt and the little creatures living in those curly crevices. After the kale is clean, tear em up into pieces and place onto a baking sheet in a even layer. Do not put anything on the kale at this time. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes.

Check to make sure your kale is krispy now. It should be a little brown around the edges. Place all of the kale into a large bowl. Drizzle in a little olive oil or flax oil, add a generous amount of nutritional yeast, and salt to taste. Toss until kale is well coated. Nutritional yeast contains essential amino acids, B 12, and folic acid which are all good things.

Instead of using the oil, n.yeast, and salt try these spiced up variations...


Variations:

Toasted sesame oil
Maple syrup
Cayenne pepper or Chili powder
Salt
Toasted sesame seeds

Toasted peanut oil or flax oil
Yr favorite curry powder
Salt
Hemp seeds

Use the oils sparingly and add the spices in small increments until it tastes good. Perfect snack or side dish to a meal.