Seriously, spinach has fallen to the way side over the last year for me since I found this luscious, leafy green. Not to mention, it's a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants and packs a mean punch with cancer fighting compounds. Oh and did I mention that it's IBS friendly?
ANYWAY - enough science, that's never been my strong suit anyway, just call me the KALE QUEEN, since I go through an entire bulk bag a week, all by myself because I eat it every day.
I've been getting A LOT of questions on HOW I prepare my kale, so today I am sharing my secret - THE BROILER. Also famous for my No Grill Grilled Chicken
It's quick and easy to cook up your kale in bulk with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness, hello veggie prep made easy! And no, I am not referring to charred Kale Chips, that IS an option, but my method of prepping has you remove the kale from the broiler BEFORE it turns into chips so you're eating softened kale leaves, with hints of charring.
Now - I buy my Kale already cut and cleaned in a bag from Wegmans like this BUT if you buy it fresh you must FIRST clean and cut the kale up prior to cooking! This also will not work with Frozen Kale, which can be found at Trader Joe's!
BEFORE BEGINNING - IF you do not live alone, OPEN a window or light a candle, cooked kale is pungent to those who do not enjoy its goodness, I have been told it smells worse than IBS farts :)
Broil - do NOT use your broiler on high, your kale will burn!
1. Turn broiler on
2. Line a pan with aluminum foil, spread Kale across
3. Cook Kale for about four minutes (or after two minutes, open your oven, mix the kale up and cook for another two minutes to avoid charring the kale)
This is NOT a leave the kitchen method, you must stay close in case your kale crisps quicker than you anticipated!
Skillet Saute
1. Spray a pan with Pam/Canola Oil or use Olive Oil (add salt, pepper, garlic, etc. if you desire)
2. Add a heaping of kale, cook on medium heat until it begins to shrink and wilt down
I saute my kale plain, I like it best this way but you could add seasoning!
Other Ways to Cook Kale in Bulk for Meal Prep
Blanching
1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil on high (again, add salt, pepper, garlic, etc. if you desire)
2. Add kale to the pot
3. Cook seven minutes or longer, depending how "soft" you want your kale
This is my LEAST favorite way to eat kale, it becomes WAY too soggy in my opinion
Kale Chips
1. Follow the broil method, except add salt and let the kale become crispy/charred
Tips/Notes
- I love my kale plain, no seasoning, but feel free to go to town with whatever suits your taste buds
- KALE BURNS QUICKLY - MONITOR YOUR BROIL METHOD, everyone's broiler works at different rates
- Let Kale cool COMPLETELY before storing in tupperware containers.
- If you store it in a plastic bag, stick in a paper towel to avoid moisture build up
- Are you a Kale King or Queen? If not, what vegetable reigns on your plate kingdom nightly?
- Which method do you prefer?
- Would you be interested in a NOW WHAT post on how to enjoy the Kale?