Got Kale?

Somehow I never get enough. Not because I don't like it. I love it, but romaine just goes down easier, much easier than dark greens. So when I make salad I usually reach for lettuce. One way to make kale easier to eat is marinating it. Make the salad but give the greens some time to break down. It's quick to fix in the evening for next day or make it in the morning for lunch or dinner. And as far as seeds go? Truth be told, I eat way more nuts than seeds so I thought it was about time to give seeds some attention as well. Here's what's combined to make a quick and simple meal.

Simple Kale Salad*

(Serves 2-3, maybe) 

1 bunch green kale (you may use purple or dino kale, of course)

4 stalks green onion or 1/2 red onion

handful of each pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds

(you may substitute hemp seeds, pine nuts, sliced almonds, or walnuts )

2 -3 tomatoes

~ For the dressing ~

Combine just about equal amounts of the following:

juice of 2-3 lemons will do for a bunch of kale

olive oil

coconut aminos/soy aminos/shoyu sauce/soy sauce**

optional: 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper to add some heat

*Obviously, you can make this as complicated as you wish. Add vegetables, herbs, even sliced apples, nuts, etc. if you like.

**With the exception of the coconut aminos, all of these contain soy and most are not necessarily raw unless they state it. Look for "raw" and/or "unpasteurized" on the label if you follow a strict, 100% raw, diet. Be aware that coconut aminos are pretty sweet, soy and shoyu are pretty salty, and any liquid soy aminos are somewhere in between. Depending on which you're using, you might want to add less or more or adjust the flavor of your dressing with some sweetener or some salt accordingly. I never make anything without tasting it once or twice during the process. Just have fun with it!

Preparations
1. Remove the stems of the kale if you prefer and chop the leaves into bite-size pieces. Slice the onions as thinly as you can and place the kale, onions, and seeds you're using into a bowl and mix.
2. Make the dressing by whisking together the ingredients, taste test and adjust the proportions to your liking.
3. Drizzle the salad with the dressing and mix well, maybe massage with your hands for a minute. Let it sit and place it in the fridge if you will not serve it till hours later. Just before serving, add chopped tomatoes to it, quickly toss again and enjoy! You got kale today : )

... And what does kale have in store for you?
Very high in vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals such as manganese, copper, and calcium, this dark leafy green is also a very strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. This type of nutrition profile provides protection from cancer, helps maintain good vision, and keeps your bones strong. Still think it's too tough or too much work to chew? Salad is not the only way to consume it. Add kale to a smoothie, make it into a soup, or blanch it if you really need to. The possibilities are endless...