Hail the Kale!

Okay, if kale chips were not your cup of tea, here is another way to enjoy the big leafy green you are seeing in abundance at your local farmer's markets.  I found this recipe on Ruth Reichl's blog (check it out here).  She is a critically acclaimed food critic, the editor-in-chief of the former magazine "Gourmet," and a best selling author!  If you have not read her series of books about growing up and enjoying food, they are wonderful reads that will make you want to drop everything and go to culinary school.  Or maybe just become a food critic!

I had to alter the recipe just a little.  Mr. PT is not a fan of anchovies (I admit, they are not my favorite either).  So instead, I used a small amount of low-fat sausage to give the dish some extra flavor.  You can use bacon, turkey bacon, prosciutto...whatever you want!  I also cut the recipe in half and it still turned out fine.

You will need:
3 bunches kale (tear the leaves away from the stalk and rinse)
3 tablespoons olive oil
anchovies, sausage...whatever you prefer
3/4 teaspoon red chili/pepper flakes
2 medium onions diced
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
 4 garlic cloves
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ cup toasted breadcrumbs (cook breadcrumbs on a greased baking sheet for 5-10 minutes at 350)


Start out with some fresh, leafy kale.

Bring a pot of water and the salt to a boil.  Cook the kale leaves for about one minute, then strain and run cold water over them.

In a skillet heat your olive oil (unless you are using sausage...I did not need any extra oil).  Saute the onion with the red and black pepper and a pinch of salt until soft. Throw in the cooked kale and garlic.  Cook for about 10 minutes or until the ingredients mesh together.  Remove from heat and toss with the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.

You can eat this as a side, but Mr. PT and I ate it as a main dish.  It was very filling and extremely flavorful.  Just another way to enjoy those leafy greens!

Combine with some fresh air and a rake!  Raking leaves is a great way to strengthen your core, shoulders, and back.  If your yard doesn't have leaves, find a neighbor or friend who could use the help!