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Kale Recipes

Looking for a unique ingredient that’s nutritious, tasty, and can be used in a variety of meals? If so, why not give one of these flavoursome kale recipes a try?

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How to Cook Kale

How to Cook Kale

One of the best things about kale, other than its delicious flavour and nutritious value, is that it can be prepared in a variety of ways to bring out its flavour.

Whether in a soup, such as our Mediterranean tomato & cannellini bean soup, or in a kale salad, there are many ways to enjoy kale recipes.

For some excellent dinner ideas to try with kale, here are some great ways to prepare this ingredient.

Boiled: Perhaps the simplest way to cook kale is to boil it in a saucepan. Simply add salt to water in a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Add fresh kale to the boiling water and cook for around 20 minutes.

This makes the kale tender and removes some of its natural bitterness. You can serve it on its own or with any number of meat recipes or vegetarian recipes we have available.

Steamed: If you want to better retain the natural flavour and nutritious value of kale, steaming is the best way to prepare this ingredient. Place fresh kale in a steamer basket, then cover it and place it over boiling water.

Steam the kale for around 10 minutes. Once tender, drain out any excess water and serve. You can enjoy steamed kale with a variety of dishes: perhaps combine it with one of our spinach recipes for extra nutrition and flavour.

Roasted: Roasting kale is a great way to bring out its flavour, especially in winter. Simply place chopped kale on a baking tray and add a tablespoon or two of oil, salt, and any other herbs you wish to add for extra flavour.

Roast in an oven on high heat for around five minutes until browned and crispy. Serve with other roasted vegetables and meats for the perfect winter meal.

Trick Fussy Eaters with Delicious Kale Chips

Trick Fussy Eaters with Delicious Kale Chips

Let’s face it: kids can be extremely fussy about food, especially when it comes to trying new things. So, you might think that getting your kids to try kale would be a near-impossible task. Fortunately, there is a way to convince them to try kale and even enjoy it. Here’s how to prepare delicious kale chips that your kids will love.

Preparing the kale: First, get some fresh kale and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Gather the chopped and arrange it on a baking tray. Brush the pieces with a tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle a teaspoon of salt on top. You can also add additional herbs and spices for extra flavour if you prefer.

Baking the chips: Preheat your oven to 150°C and place the tray with the kale pieces inside. Bake for around 20 minutes until the pieces become crispy. Once baked, remove them from the oven and place them on a plate to cool. Serve them to your kids and see their reactions. We’re sure they’ll love them.

Best Kale Salad Recipe

Best Kale Salad Recipe

One of the best ways to enjoy fresh kale is in a delicious salad. Chewy and flavoursome, kale salad is the perfect choice for a nutritious and tasty meal. There are plenty of ways to prepare kale salad recipes. For a great example, try our Louisiana Schnitzel with smokey kale slaw. Our favourite kale salad is one that is very easy to make at home.

Preparing the kale: First, gather the kale you wish to use in your salad. We recommend Tuscan kale, as it works best in salad dishes. Remove the leaves from the stems and ribs of the kale. Chop the leaves into small ribbons and add them to the bowl. To tenderise the kale, massage it in the bowl with your fingers for around 10 minutes or until it turns dark green.

Preparing the dressing: For a delicious homemade dressing, try adding a few tablespoons of olive oil and half a teaspoon each of salt and pepper to a bowl. You can also add vinegar, honey, lemon juice, garlic or chilli to the mix, depending on your personal choice. Whisk it together in the bowl until mixed well.

Finishing the salad: Add the dressing to the kale leaves. Add a couple of tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavour. Toss the leaves in the dressing so that they are well coated. Serve as a meal or with any one of our delicious New Zealand recipes for a fabulous dinner.

Sautéed Kale Recipe

Sautéed Kale Recipe

Want to add a bit of a gourmet touch to your kale recipes? Cooking kale by sauteing is a great way to add some rich flavour to your kale dishes. Whether cooking for others or meals for one, sauteed kale makes for a tasty and healthy dish. Here’s our recipe for preparing sauteed kale.

Preparing the kale: First, take the fresh kale and remove any thick stems (small stems can remain). Chop the kale leaves into bite-sized pieces for easier cooking.

Preparing the pan: Add a tablespoon of olive oil to a frying pan and cook it over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook for a couple of minutes until fragrant and soft.

Sauteing the kale: Add the kale to the pan and cook for about six minutes until tender and wilted in appearance. Add a small amount of lemon juice to the wilted kale, and season with salt and pepper to serve.

How Long Can Kale Last in the Fridge?

How Long Can Kale Last in the Fridge?

When it comes to storing kale in the refrigerator, understanding its shelf life is essential for maintaining both its freshness and nutritional value.

Here’s what you need to know:

Typical shelf life: Generally, kale can last in the fridge for about five to seven days. The key is to store it correctly to maintain its crispness and nutrients.

Impact of temperature and humidity: Kale prefers a cool and slightly humid environment, so the crisper drawer in your fridge is ideal. It provides the right balance of cool air and moisture to keep the kale fresh.

Freshness at purchase: The shelf life of kale also depends on its freshness when you buy it. Choose kale that looks crisp and green without any yellow or brown spots.

Remember, the fresher the kale when you buy it, the longer it will last in your fridge. Storing it properly right after you get home can significantly extend its shelf life, allowing you to enjoy its health benefits for longer.

When Should I Throw Away My Kale?

When Should I Throw Away My Kale?

Identifying when kale has gone bad is crucial to ensure you eat it when it’s most beneficial and safe.

Here’s what to look out for:

Visual cues: Watch for yellowing leaves or those that have turned a brownish colour. These are clear signs that your kale is past its prime.

Texture changes: Fresh kale should be crisp. If it feels slimy or overly wilted, it’s time to discard it.

Smell: Kale that’s starting to spoil will have a sour or unpleasant odour. Trust your nose: if it smells off, it’s best not to eat it.

Food safety is important, so if you’re in doubt about the freshness of your kale, it’s better to err on the side of caution and throw it out. Using kale while it’s fresh ensures you get the most out of its nutritional benefits—and it tastes better, too!

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