Kale has been the new superfood of choice for most health enthusiasts for the past few years. But you can only eat so many salads. And by this time even looking at a salad can make you turn in disgust or boredom.
Here are 7 ways to eat kale that will actually make you start to crave it (gasp) and get everybody that calls kale pretentious off your back.
1. Kale Pesto
Photo by Christin Urso
Who doesn’t love pesto? Pesto feels like an indulgence food, typically full of cheese and olive oil, coating a pile of delicious white carb-filled pasta (are you drooling yet?). Make this kale pesto, made with some olive oil and cheese, yes, but also tons of kale and walnuts. Dredge some whole wheat pasta in it, and you’ll have a nutritionally balanced meal instead.
2. Soup
Photo by Sarah Britton
Throw shredded kale into any soup. The sturdiness of kale holds well in a soup, and the flavor of kale blends with many different flavor combinations. To get you started, try this recipe, or this one.
3. Kale and Quinoa Pilaf
Photo courtesy of James Ransom
After the first time I made this pilaf, I ended up eating it for the entire week. The combination of garlic, lemon, and scallions is so light but perfect paired with quinoa. The decadence of the small amount of goat cheese is prime with the bitterness of kale. Pine nuts make the dish even more delectable and interesting. I can eat a big bowl of this, be completely satisfied, and still feel light and healthy. Try this immediately.
4. Put it in a smoothie
Photo by Sarah Silbiger
The thought of greens in a smoothie may make you want to cringe but the trick to kale smoothies is to use potent fruit flavors that will make the smoothie taste just like a tropical drink (if you can get past the color). Try orange or pineapple juice, then add in frozen fruit mixes such as mango, papaya, pineapple, or strawberry. Use this hack and these recipes to make it even easier.
Gif courtesy of giphy.com
5. Sautéed Kale
Photo by Alex Weiner
Sautéing kale takes away the bitter quality the raw greens have. Kale sautéed with olive oil is a perfect pair. Add in any other ingredients you want. Italian ingredients such as tomatoes, pine nuts, or garlic work well. This pan-fried kale is amazing.
6. Avocado Artichoke Kale Dip
Photo by Sarah Silbiger
You’re in front of the TV and you want to want to eat chip after chip slathered in queso or cheesy artichoke dip. Get some rice crackers, whole wheat pita, or even some chips and slather them in this avocado artichoke kale dip. You’ll feel self-indulgent, but you’re really getting in a healthy dose of fat and veggies.
Bring this dip to a party and you’ll trick everyone into health – it’s for their own good. Super easy and bomba**, you’ll want this every day.
7. Kale Hash
Photo by Kendra Valkema
Hash is the perfect dish. I would eat hash every day for breakfast. The starch of the potatoes, fried eggs, and still getting in some veggies. How about eating the perfect dish and still getting in kale? Could it get better? Start with this recipe, but change it around to your preference. And if you’re feeling funky, here’s a kale hash recipe that really mixes it up.
Now go enjoy kale like never before. Hail to the kale.
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