THE PERFECT KALE SALAD // Eat more greens!
“Like most humans, I am hungry... our three basic needs, for food and security and love, are so mixed and mingled and entwined that we cannot straightly think of one without the others. So it happens that when I write of hunger, I am really writing about love and the hunger for it...”
― M.F.K. Fisher, The Gastronomical Me
The abundance of the holidays are here - food, drink, festivities. Although this year most likely looks very different for most of us, we feel sure that there will be plenty of indulging.
When it comes to taking care of ourselves, we believe that self care can show up in a lot of different ways, and sometimes it looks like letting go of the routines we establish in the name of health - and surrender to a moment that feels more indulgent. Whatever that may be.
We often think about the fine line between self care and self absorbed. Too much time in your head, and not enough time living in the moment. Rules and rigidity that are often destructive. While taking care of yourself is certainly important, like most things in life - it's about balance.
One thing we always maintain in the name of health - no matter how indulgent we may be in other areas, is eating lots of greens. Steamed, sautéed, raw, deliciously dressed and indulgent in their own right, greens are not something we ever step away from. Greens are the ultimate way to to create balance no matter what else is on the plate. Of course ideally greens (or leafy vegetables) is the center of the meal, and everything else revolves around it, but that often isn't the case. The good news is - the more greens you eat, the more you crave and they become more than something you "should" eat.
Why are greens so good for you? There is no food that is comparable in nutrient density to dark leafy greens. The vitamin and mineral content is extremely high, and they are rich in uniquely plant based phytonutrients. While phytonutrients don't fall into the category of essential nutrition, we believe that these abundant food chemicals have untapped benefits that extent well beyond our current understanding.
Long story short, eat more greens!
Here is our recipe for preparing the perfect massaged kale salad, both raw and wintery, and guaranteed to please.
THE PERFECT KALE SALAD //
Raw kale isn't for everyone, and some people think that it is hard to digest. When eaten purely raw, without proper preparation, this can be true. But the real deal deliciousness of a massaged kale salad should not be missed - even if you need to serve it with steak and potatoes for a crowd. Load up! Fill your plate, and I guarantee you will have trouble eating this one in moderation.
The key to a good kale salad is either massaging it with your hands, or using good kitchen shears to chop it up finely. The tough part of kale is the fiber, so breaking up those fibers is key.
Here is our favorite version...
1-2 heads of curly kale (or dino), washed and stems removed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1/2 avocado, diced
Pinch of sea salt + more to taste
1 clove of garlic, minced or pressed
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)
1 tablespoon Dulse flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (optional)
Tear kale leaves, and then using your hands or salad tongs - toss all other ingredients in with the kale. Take the kitchen scissors, and chop, chop, chop until all the ingredients are mixed in well, and the avocado makes a creamy dressing.
It's as simple as that.
Garnish with fresh herbs, and get creative with your mixing. I love to add chopped pistachios or walnuts, and dried fruit this time of year when I'm feeling festive!
