Massaged Kale Salad
I LOVE Aarti and this is one of the first recipes she did when she became The Next Food Network Star. I had never tried Kale before but this salad looked so good when she made it I decided to try it. I tasted the Kale on the way home from the grocery store and was worried because it tasted bitter. No need to worry! The massaging technique turns the bitter coarse kale into tender bright green ribbons. The mango, honey and lemon give this salad the PERFECT balance of flavors.
I LOVE Aarti and this is one of the first recipes she did when she became The Next Food Network Star. I had never tried Kale before but this salad looked so good when she made it I decided to try it. I tasted the Kale on the way home from the grocery store and was worried because it tasted bitter. No need to worry! The massaging technique turns the bitter coarse kale into tender bright green ribbons. The mango, honey and lemon give this salad the PERFECT balance of flavors.
- 1 lemon juiced
- fresh ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 bunch kale stalks removed and discarded, leaves thinly sliced (aarti says
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzlin
- kosher salt (i used about 1/2 teaspoon)
- 1 small (about 1 cup)
- 2 tablespoons toasted pumpkin seeds (the recipe says small handful toasted pepitas but i couldn't find them so used t
- Carbohydrate 9.43262453607494 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.436432555133737 g
- Fiber 2.29378135606435 g
- Protein 2.00343463491007 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0569216321670892 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (79g)
- Sodium 22.662253386757 mg
- Sugar 7.13884318001058 g
- Trans Fat 0.154376308916119 g
- Calories 36 calories
Step-by-step
- In large serving bowl, add the kale, half of lemon juice, a drizzle of oil and a little kosher salt.
- Massage until the kale starts to soften and wilt, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Set aside while you make the dressing.
- In a small bowl, whisk remaining lemon juice with the honey and lots of freshly ground black pepper.
- Stream in the 1/4 cup of oil while whisking until a dressing forms, and you like how it tastes.
- Pour the dressing over the kale, and add the mango and pepitas.
- Toss and serve.
My Unexpected Kale Love Story
I've always considered myself a fairly adventurous eater, but kale? That leafy green intimidated me. I'd seen it in countless salads, always looking a bit…tough. Then I stumbled upon Aarti Sequeira's recipe for Massaged Kale Salad. Now, I'm a convert. This recipe isn't just a salad; it's a revelation. It transformed my perception of kale from something bitter and unpleasant into a vibrant, flavorful delight.
My initial hesitation stemmed from a preemptive taste test. I bought a bunch of kale on my way home from the grocery store and, convinced by some inner voice urging me to avoid culinary mishaps, I decided a little pre-emptive taste test was in order. The verdict? Bitter. Seriously bitter. I almost put the whole bunch back in the grocery store and ran screaming. But Aarti’s technique, the “massage,” promised to change all that, and she was absolutely right. The simple act of gently massaging the kale with lemon juice and oil, broke down its tough fibers and somehow magically coaxed out its sweetness.
The Magic of the Massage: This is where the magic happens. It's more than just a fancy name; it's a crucial step. The massaging action tenderizes the kale, releasing its natural flavors and making it far more palatable. Think of it like a pre-workout stretch for your greens – a necessary preparation for the flavor party about to commence.
A Symphony of Flavors: The dressing is the other star of this show. The combination of honey, lemon juice, and freshly ground black pepper creates a sweet and tangy dressing that perfectly complements the kale’s subtle sweetness. The addition of mango adds a burst of tropical sweetness, while pepitas (or pumpkin seeds, in my case) provide a satisfying crunch. It's a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.
Beyond the Salad: This Massaged Kale Salad is incredibly versatile. It can be enjoyed as a light lunch, a side dish for a larger meal, or even as a component of a more elaborate salad creation. I’ve experimented with adding different ingredients like dried cranberries, toasted almonds, or crumbled feta cheese – each addition brought a delightful twist. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
More than Just a Recipe: Aarti Sequeira's recipe represents so much more than just a method for preparing kale. It's a reminder to embrace the unexpected, to be open to trying new things, and to trust that even the most intimidating ingredients can be transformed into something extraordinary with a little creativity and a touch of culinary magic.
A Simple Salad, a Big Impact: This is a recipe that changed my perspective not just on kale, but on the possibilities of simple cooking. It taught me that sometimes, the simplest ingredients, prepared with care and attention, can result in something truly remarkable. It's a testament to the power of good technique and the joy of discovering new favorite foods. So, give this recipe a try; let your skepticism melt away as you experience the delightful surprise of massaged kale.
Recipe Notes:
- Kale Selection: Choose fresh, vibrant kale for the best results.
- Massaging Time: Don't rush the massage! Take your time to ensure the kale is tender.
- Dressing Consistency: Adjust the amount of oil to achieve your desired dressing consistency.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to experiment with different nuts, seeds, and fruits to customize the salad to your liking.
