Market Watch: Red Russian Kale
Sweet, tender and mild, Red Russian Kale isn’t carried in most supermarkets, but I was thrilled to find it at my farmer’s market recently.
One cup of kale has 33 calories, double your daily beta-carotene and 6 times of the recommended amount of vitamin K (K is good for your bones and blood). It’s also got plenty of vitamin C, calcium and potassium. Kale is sturdier than other greens like spinach so, when cooked, it has more of a bite. This makes it perfect for soups and stir-fries. Sauté it briefly with olive oil, garlic and a splash of vegetable broth and balsamic vinegar and you’ve got one of the most delicious (and healthy) side dishes I can think of.
- Kale recipes to try:
- Sautéed Kale
- Kale and Potato Hash
- Smothered Mushrooms and Kale
Kale seems to be a little uncommon. Many will be surprised to learn about all of these qualities of the plant. Perhaps aside the outstanding nutritional properties, the sturdiness makes it an ideal veggie input. Several vegetables cook extra soft and sometimes feel too molten in taste. Kale and Potato Hash takes just 35 minutes. It is a relief for veggie lovers to have this delicious, quick cooking, simple recipe.