With that said, it's hard to be healthy on a budget, especially when fast food is readily available and cheaper than the grocery store. And yet, I can't help but think that what's helping my pocket book short term could be hurting my body in the long run. When you look at it that way, a bundle of kale and a bag of nuts is a lot cheaper and a lot more fun than a triple bypass.
Kale, also known as The Queen of Greens, is a powerhouse of nutrition. Kale ranges anywhere from $0.75-$2.50 per bunch, is plentiful, and easy to find year round. Kale is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, thus boosting immune function, firming your skin, fighting free radicals, enhancing reproductive and heart health, and maintaining strong bones, among other glorious benefits. Now, I'd call that a pretty sexy veggie.
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| my kale salad |
Kale Salad
6 cups raw kale--un-chopped
1/4 cup grated parmesan or romano cheese
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup blanched almonds or walnuts
1/4 cup raisins or cranberries
1/2 cup raw basil, un-chopped
dash of salt.
1. In a food processor, chop kale and basil
2. Place kale and basil in a bowl and add parmesan, olive oil, salt, nuts, and raisins/cranberries
Kale Pesto
1 cup kale
1 cup basil
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 cup nuts
1/2 cup olive oil
2 or 3 garlic cloves
Blend all ingredients in the food processor and put on pasta, bread, or veggies.
Carla's Spicy Kale
6 cups of kale
1/2 cup chopped red onions
Butter or Oil
2 garlic cloves
2 T balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup beer
1/4 cup hot sauce
1/2 cup water
1. Satee butter, onions, and garlic
2. After the onions begin to brown, add kale
3. pour in liquid.
4. Stir over heat until kale is barely wilted (it will continue to cook after you take it off the heat)
5. Serve over beans, rice, or just eat it by itself.
Garlic Kale
Place your fat of choice and 3 garlic cloves in the skillet. Add a dash of salt. Cook until the garlic begins to turn brown. Add kale and cook until kale leaves barely begin to darken.
If you have any good kale recipes please share!
