Kale?

[nameless]

picked up some frozen kale at Trader Joe's...I don't know why. I've never had kale.

WHAT DO I DO WITH IT?

I found this:

http://www.muffintinmania.com/2010/09/kale-ricotta-cups.html

Which I'm thinking could make a nice lunch item.

halp?!

Adrienne

[YouKnowWho]

Never had it frozen.

We generally use it for juicing or saute it with oil and garlic until it softens significantly.

[hedgehog]

You can add it to a soup.  Kale chips are yummy, but I don't think frozen would work for that.

[GoingNuts]

What Hedgie said.  I looooovve Kale chips, and I love it sauteed with garlic as a side dish.  I don't think I've ever seen it frozen.  Then again, I don't think I've ever looked, LOL.

[Macabre]

Portuguese kale soup. It's a kind of yummy I've  made when DS is away. 

Henceforth buy fresh and you'll have more options.

[nameless]

Portuguese kale soup. It's a kind of yummy I've  made when DS is away. 

Henceforth buy fresh and you'll have more options.

Well yes, fresh is better. This was an impulse purchase a "I should eat kale" kinda thing.

I'll see how it sautes up.

Adrienne

[kouturekat]

I use frozen kale in my sausage kale soup.  That's probably the only use (for me) for frozen kale.  Other than that we use fresh kale.  We make kale chips.  DD#2 just made them last night because I have a bunch of fresh kale in my fridge.  Well, "had".  She probably used it all.

I use my Vitamix and put a cup of fresh kale in it while processing my fruit smoothies.  Either fresh kale or fresh spinach.  I also tear up kale pieces and mix it in with chick peas, tomatoes, chicken chunks, and avocados for a refreshing summer salad.

[nameless]

OK - I really really really like kale chips (olive oil and a spiced sea salt)

ZOMGIJUSTATETOOMANY!

Adrienne

[GoingNuts]

Kale chips rock.  Totally. 

And yes, I've eaten way too many too. 

[Mfamom]

Ive never had kale...is it bitter? 

[nameless]

I'm not finding it bitter when cooked. Reminded me of spinach actually.

Adrienne

[hezzier]

if you are going to eat it raw, get lacinato kale.  I think traditional curly kale can be bitter.

[becca]

I really try to like Kale.  So far, only works fo rme in soup.  A sausage soup. 

I find it so chewy when sauteed.  I do it for awhile too.  But if I cook it to death, don't I pretty much ruin it? 

I have not yet tried Kale chips.  I should.  It is really all about the oil and salt, though, right?  LOL.  Well, and te crunch...

[nameless]

I really try to like Kale.  So far, only works fo rme in soup.  A sausage soup. 

I find it so chewy when sauteed.  I do it for awhile too.  But if I cook it to death, don't I pretty much ruin it? 

I have not yet tried Kale chips.  I should.  It is really all about the oil and salt, though, right?  LOL.  Well, and te crunch...

It's a really really neat texture when baked into chips. For me it wasn't about oil or salt...but they do need to be oiled and salted.

So I bought this already washed/cut kale at Trader Joes in the fresh salad section --- the pieces are about the right size but I had to trim away the stem on most pieces (cut and ready to go MY *SS)  Anyway - you want the curly kale.

In a bowl I drizzled evoo on the pieces and tossed. I read a hint to just use your fingers and wipe it all over every piece to the edge. I'm glad I did. It wasn't sopping in oil, so it worked great. Then I salted lightly w/ sea salt. I read that since the pieces shrink many oversalted at the beginning.

Then you just bake. It took maybe 20 minutes?  You have to bake until they are crisp and not soft or squishable at all but they can start to burn soon after being done so you have to keep an eye. I did toss mine halfway through.

Some recipes are a higher heat but those comments were all about them burning quick...so I think the lower heat gives you some leeway.

Adrienne

[YouKnowWho]

I really try to like Kale.  So far, only works fo rme in soup.  A sausage soup. 

I find it so chewy when sauteed.  I do it for awhile too.  But if I cook it to death, don't I pretty much ruin it? 

I have not yet tried Kale chips.  I should.  It is really all about the oil and salt, though, right?  LOL.  Well, and te crunch...

My DH broke his jaw when younger so he has issues with chewing.  I boil it slightly first and then saute it.  Not as soft as spinach but not as crunchy as straight sauteing if that makes any sense.  I just drain, shake and add back to a pan that has heated oil.  I throw garlic in closer to the end.