Hearty Kale (braised)

Kale is one of the super "veggies".  A totally underrated and almost not considered green because of its leafy crunch and slightly bitterness.  Many times cooked to death with lots of fat to give it a new flavor.  I have to be honest.  Kale was not a veggie that I dreamed about and I actually tended to avoid it if possible... until I got to this recipe, which by the way... allowed me to have two helpings of kale last night.  Sort of a life changing experience in my culinary world :)

The kale was cooked to perfection.  Delicious and so hearty and full of flavor. I especially enjoyed the texture. Super easy to make and so super healthy.  Give it a try, you will not regret it.  I promise!

Ingredients:

3 Tbsp. olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
5 garlic cloves, minced
1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes
2 lb. kale, stemmed, leaves chopped into 3-inch pieces.
1 cup homemade chicken stock or low sodium store bought chicken broth
1 cup of water
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2-3 tsp juice of 1 lemon (I squeezed a half of a lemon for this recipe)


Directions:

Heat two tablespoons of oil in Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering.  Add onion and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and beginning to brown, 4 to 5 minutes.  Add garlic and pepper flakes; cook until garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.  Add half of the greens and stir until beginning to wilt, about 1 minute.  Add remaining greens, broth, water and 1/4 teaspoon salt; quickly cover and reduce heat to medium low.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until greens are tender, about 25 to 35 minutes.  (I personally like them with a bit of texture, so I only cooked this part for 25 minutes).

Remove lid and increase heat to medium - high.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until most of liquid has evaporated (bottom of the pot will be almost dry, and greens will begin to sizzle), 8 to 12 minutes.  remove pot from heat; stir in 2 teaspoon of lemon juice and remaining tablespoon of olive oil.  Season with remaining lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.  Serve and enjoy!


Source:  Recipe courtesy of "Cooks Illustrated" - Slightly adapted.

Cauliflower Mash

This is a very simple recipe, for those trying to shed some pounds it can be a great replacement for mashed potatoes.  I have to be honest, it still tastes like cauliflower but the flavor is milder, the texture is velvety and it is much lighter too.

So, here I have two versions for this recipe.  One regular one and a Paleo friendly one.  You pick whichever you desire being both of them really tasty.


Regular Cauliflower Mash:

Ingredients:

1 cauliflower head, cut into florets
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
2 Tbsp. heavy whip cream


Directions:

In a large pot bring water to boil.  Add some salt and pour in cauliflower florets.  Cook until soft for about 7-10 minutes.  It will depend on the size of your cauliflower.

Once cooked, drain and transfer to a food processor, season with salt and freshly ground pepper.  Add the butter and heavy whip cream and process until smooth.

Serve and enjoy!


PALEO Friendly Cauliflower Mash:

Ingredients:

1 cauliflower head, cut into florets
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 Tbsp. unsalted organic butter (from grass fed cow) or Ghee
2 Tbsp. coconut milk


Directions:

In a large pot bring water to boil.  Add some salt and pour in cauliflower florets.  Cook until soft for about 7-10 minutes.  It will depend on the size of your cauliflower.

Once cooked, drain and transfer to a food processor, season with salt and freshly ground pepper.  Add the butter or ghee and coconut milk and process until smooth.

Serve and enjoy!