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Kale: The Little Superfood That Could

December  2, 2011

As the last of the summer jam stock dwindles, and root vegetables take up residence in our crispers, we begin to appreciate freshness wherever we can find it. It is a rare thing to find one single food (let alone a vegetable) that does the nutritional work of all of its counterparts combined -- and is built to thrive through the winter. Enter kale: this gorgeous green is lively and toothsome with an addictive peppery bite. Steamed, sauteed or dressed up raw in a salad, kale is delicious when prepared with a little finesse.

Even the most glorious greens are best paired with a little dose of decadence. No need to trick the serial carnivores into eating their veggies; these delectable kale recipes will convert even the biggest superfood-phobic. Here are 9 of our favorite ways to turn this nutritional powerhouse into a delight.

Roasted Tomato and Rosemary Soup with Kale and Potatoes by Nicole Franzen

Shop the Story

 

Kale with Pancetta Cream and Toasted Rosemary Walnuts by apartmentcooker

 

Kale Salad with Apples and Hazelnuts by Amanda

 

Ribollita by la domestique

 

One Pot Kale and Quinoa Pilaf by deensiebat

 

Linguine with Breadcrumbs and Kale by Hotplate Gourmet

 

Quinoa and Kale Crustless Quiche by Hilarybee

 

Penne with Creamed Greens and Pancetta by Amanda

 

Sausage and Kale Dinner Tart by My Pantry Shelf

Sausage and Kale Dinner Tart

 

See what other Food52 readers are saying.

  • Fairmount_market
    Fairmount_market
  • Matilda Luk
    Matilda Luk
  • walevitt
    walevitt
  • Panfusine
    Panfusine
  • la domestique
    la domestique
I like these sorts of things: pancakes, pulled pork, watching breakfast at tiffany's while its raining, going to four hour brunches with four hour laugh riots, smelling cucumbers, road tripping, cooking you breakfast, anything involving cheese or potatoes, waking up to the smell of bacon and doing yoga.

7 Comments

Fairmount_market December 6, 2011
This NYTimes article today seemed apropo: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/05/us/eat-more-kale-t-shirts-challenged-by-chick-fil-a.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=kale&st=cse
 
Matilda L. December 5, 2011
The recipe for Crispy Parmesan Kale Chips by 90210 FarmGirl is also pretty amazing--my kids ate them only after a little encouragement.
 
walevitt December 3, 2011
Seeing a list of delicious kale recipes just makes my day! Thanks!
 
Panfusine December 2, 2011
my latest obsession, especially considering I've never even tasted it before hearing about it on Food52..Its been Kale kale & more kale at home, tempura, Kale Paneer, Kale Sauteed with steamed lentils South indian Style... I seem to be buying kale as often as milk & bread!
 
la D. December 2, 2011
It all looks so good! Don't know what to cook first! Thanks for including my Ribollita. :)
 
Midge December 2, 2011
I love it too. You guys have turned me into a bonafide kale freak.
 
BlueKaleRoad December 2, 2011
Hooray for kale! Love this list of recipes - making my shopping list now.