October 27, 2019 DinnerLeave a Comment

Easy Keto Coconut Kale

This creamy dairy-free wilted kale is one of my favorite vegetable side dishes. It’s an easy week night side to prepare in less then 20 minutes.

I make it frequently for my clients and each time we double the kale, using 4 large bunches. Remember, when kale wilts it turns into a much smaller portion than most think. If you want to have plenty of leftovers, consider doubling this recipe.

VEGAN, PALEO, OR KETO KALE, YOUR CHOICE

This recipe calls for 1/2 cup of bone broth or vegetable broth. Your choice. I make it both ways depending on my clients personal preferences. Choose what nourishes you and tastes best to your palette. If a meal isn’t delicious, it’s not worth consuming.

RAW KALE ISN’T ALWYS BETTER

You are not missing out on the health benefits of kale by not eating it raw. All vegetables contain a positive energy we absorb when we eat it. How we prepare our vegetables plays a role in the benefits we take in.

Cooked food, and cooked vegetables are warming to the body. Food that is eaten raw if more cooling.

When the seasons change, it is important to adjust our eating habits. A simmered, cooked kale is going to nourish you just as well as if it was in a raw salad, but in a different way that is no better or worse then raw.

Historically, people have eaten around 80 percent cooked foods as they are easier to digest and assimilate. Because cooked food is easier for the body to process and convert into energy, it is more nourishing and energizing.

If you eat a lot of fresh, raw greens, think about incorporating some cooked ones when the temperature drops.

Warming Coconut Kale - Chef Whitney Aronoff | Starseed Kitchen

MEDICINAL BENEFITS OF KALE

Kale is a warming vegetable
Eases lung congestion
Supports the stomach, healing the liver and the immune system
Considered a strengthen vegetable
It protects the eyes, as it contains lutein and zeaxanthin
A great source of chlorophyll, beta-carotene, vitamins A and C
A reasonable source of calcium

For more on the medicinal benefits of kale and leafy greens, check out these books: The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia, Harmonic Healing & Eating On The Wild Side

BUYING KALE TIPS

Kale is available year-round but is best in cold months. Choose kale that is vibrant and crisp. Stay away from bunches that are yellowing or are limp.

WHAT TO PAIR WITH COCONUT KALE

Once you try this dish, you’ll realize all the items you regularly eat that would pair well with this vegetable dish. Here is how I enjoy Coconut Kale.

With turmeric ginger rice
In a bowl with quinoa and black beans
With a seasoned piece of fresh, white fish
With grilled chicken or seared steak
Paired with any grain and bean

CHEF TIPS

Eat the kale stems. This recipe works great using all parts of the kale. Simply trim the ends of the kale, discarding the bottom inch. Chop the kale and stems into 1 inch pieces.

After searing the olive oil and garlic, and the chopped stems first. Letting them cook till warm and lightly seared before adding the leaves. This will help the stems soften up.

If you make this recipe, please let me know. Bookmark this recipe and leave a comment below or take a photo and tag me on Instagram with #starseedkitchen.