How to Kale

Kale is funny because almost everyone who doesn’t like it, doesn’t know how to properly treat this beautiful leafy green. This guide will help you understand and love kale from the moment you purchase it at the store until it’s on the plate.

After purchase:
In the store or market, kale is usually firm and brightly colored. So it is essential to use techniques that keep that integrity alive. Gently rinse your kale leaves, making sure to get all the nitty gritty bits out. I find my kale usually has some dirt on it, and that’s okay, as long as I rinse it well. Next take a dish towel and lay it out flat, placing the kale leaves on the towel to dry. Leave out for maybe 30 minutes, until the towel is slightly damp. Store in your fridge for up to two weeks.

Prep:
When you are ready to eat the kale and make a gorgeous salad, fill a large bowl with cold water and a bit of vinegar (apple cider or white). Place the kale leaves in the bowl and let sit for 10-15 minutes. This helps crisp up your kale and ensures there will be no bugs on your leaves. Rinse the kale out and either in the bowl with scissors or, on a cutting board, chop the kale into small pieces.
* I really like using scissors to cut salads. It’s a trick I learned and it has been life changing.
Squeeze lemon, sprinkle salt, and drizzle olive oil on the kale. This is crucial! If you don’t want as much flavor, yeah, you can do one of the three, but I highly recommend adding ALL (lemon, salt and olive oil). There aren’t any real measurements because it really depends on how much kale you are using.
Now, using your hands, massage the kale in its dressing for 5 minutes. This tenderizes the kale making it softer and packed with flavor. Now let kale sit in the fridge until you are ready to served, ideally 15-30 minutes.

Easy Dressing for the Beautiful Kale:
Now that you have nice massaged kale, a simple dressing will do wonders. In a jar or bowl mix lemon, salt, pepper, dijon mustard, a bit of water and olive oil. YUM! Again no measurements! Get used to constantly trying your food and finding what your palette likes :)
Top with pickled onions, toasted nuts/seeds, tofu/protein, or any other types of dressing and enjoy!

DO NOT throw out wilted kale! It can be revived! Simply take out kale and fill a bowl with vinegar and cold water. Let sit for an hour. Kale will be happy :) (I have revived kale two weeks old and it was delicious!)

Pretty bright green (two week old!) kale ready to eat!