Kale has the health advantages of a cruciferous vegetable in lowering cancer risk, and it’s also an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K and a very good source of fibre, potassium, and calcium.
WATCH: Spicy kale chips recipe
Hailed as one of the best superfoods out there, kale has long and frilly leaves with a tough centre stalk, and can vary in colour and texture. And the good news? It’s super easy to add this leafy green to your meals (or even eat it as a standalone snack!).
Keep reading and learn how to cook this popular vegetable like a pro.
Types of kale
The three main types available are:
- Curly kale: ruffled leaves, fibrous stalk, and deep green colour with the most pungent flavour of these three varieties.
- Ornamental kale: mellower flavour and more tender leaves than curly kale. The leaves can be green, white, or purple. Also called salad savoy.
- Dinosaur kale: dark bluish-green leaves on lighter stalks with pronounced texture and a slightly sweeter taste than curly kale. Also called Lacinato or Tuscan kale.
Selecting and storing kale
- Opt for crisp, tender leaves that are richly colored and stems that are moist and fresh-looking. Avoid wilted or yellow leaves.
- Smaller leaves will be more tender and have a milder flavor than large leaves
- Store unwashed kale in a plastic storage bag for up to three days in the refrigerator. The longer you store kale, the stronger and more bitter the flavour becomes.
How to prep and clean kale
- For large leaves, cut away the center stalk. You can cut away just the base for smaller, more tender leaves. Trim any bruised leaves.
- Wash thoroughly in cold water several times, and drain well on paper towels or spin in a salad spinner. This washing step is key because kale can be gritty if not washed well.
- Tear into pieces; 300g kale equals about 12 cups torn or chopped, or four servings.
How to boil kale
In a large saucepan bring a small amount of water (about 2 cups) and a little salt (1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon) to boiling. Add 300g torn kale. Return to boiling. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes or until tender. Drain.
How to saute kale
In a large skillet heat 4 teaspoons olive oil. Add 300g torn dinosaur or curly kale. Cook, covered, for 1 minute. Uncover and cook and stir for 1 minute more or just until wilted. If desired, season with salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice.
How to slow-simmer kale
This makes a potful and will serve 8 to 10 plus leftovers. If you prefer, for a meatless option, omit the ham hocks and use vegetable stock; you might want to increase the seasonings.
- In a large deep pot heat 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Thinly sliced 1 medium onion. Peel 2 cloves garlic and smash them using the side of a knife. Add the onion and garlic to the hot oil, stirring to coat. Add 2 large ham hocks (about 1-1/2 pounds) and 2 bay leaves. Cook about 10 minutes or until the onions are softened.
- Meanwhile, starting with 5 bunches kale, stack a few leaves at a time and cut crosswise into ribbons. Add the kale to the pot, pushing the leaves down to pack them in. Add 3 quarts reduced-sodium chicken broth, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
- Bring the mixture to boiling. Cook for 10 minutes or until the greens start to wilt, then turn the greens over with a wooden spoon and reduce the heat to simmering. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Season the broth with salt to taste. Cover and cook for 10 minutes more. Remove the bay leaves and serve.
How to make kale chips
Preheat oven to 150 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place 2 cups of torn kale leaves on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until crisp.
This article originally appeared on www.bhg.com
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