5 ways to use kale

Kale has seen a tremendous rise in popularity and become a staple of the farm-to-table movement. The large, verdant vegetable comes from the same group of greens as cabbage, though it is leafier. Kale can be enjoyed raw or cooked and comes in three main variations: curly, ornamental and dinosaur. Kale packs a wallop of beneficial nutrients, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium and iron. Cooking with kale is easy and will provide color and nutritional value to any meal. Culinary school online is a great place to learn about this superfood, but here are some ideas to get you started.

5 ideas for cooking with kale

1. Kale can be used as the base for a healthy, green salad. Chop up raw kale with your other favorite veggies and toss to make a healthy appetizer or full meal. Kale has a very earthy taste that would pair well with slightly sweeter flavors.
2. Steaming kale is a good way to soften up the texture and flavor while retaining a lot of the nutrients. Cut off the stems and let the leaves wilt in a similar way to spinach. Lightly salt and use as a perfect healthy side to any cut of meat, including chicken, beef and fish.
3. Throw in some kale for breakfast. If you’re making a large breakfast scramble or hash, kale can add depth to the flavor and texture. A potato hash loaded with eggs and meat will benefit from the leafy crunch of cooked kale.
4. Kale chips have become a culinary phenomenon, but they are incredibly easy to make. Simply remove the stems and break the kale leaves up into large chip portions. Toss them in a little olive oil and salt. Add garlic, lemon or other flavors to your desire. Evenly disperse them on a baking tray, making sure each segment of leaf has plenty of room. Cook on low heat until the chips are crispy but not burnt.
5. Add kale to a savory rice or noodle dish. Stir fries are a great way to make a large amount of food that gives way to a lot of leftovers. Crisp kale and other vegetables in your wok to give it more texture.

Of course, these ideas are only a starting point. Kale is a versatile food that varies in flavor and texture dependent on the degree to which it is cooked.