Hail Kale! Chop raw kale stems and submerge them in a pickling brine with sugar, salt, and any spices you want. Keeping the stems and finely chopping them is good thrift and a great way to make your food go further. The average American household wastes about $2,000 worth of food a year. Here's how to cook your kale (and collard!) Because for all their crunch, those stems are just as delicious as the leafy greens they bind together. Chop up those kale stems and add them into the mix. Share your thoughts. Here, find our 11 best cooking tips for the hearty green ribs and recipe suggestions for the often discarded vegetable scraps. I asked naively. Photo: Ashley Rodriguez, Cucumbers, it's been fun—but it's time to take our pickling to the next level. Creamed spinach, creamed onions, creamed kale, it's all delicious. That firmer middle section is usually tossed aside. Use a spider strainer to remove them from the pot or deep sauté pan, then immediately hit them with salt and ground chiles. However, chomping on the stems without cooking them first isn’t such a great idea. They’re a healthy addition to his meat-based diet. However, raw kale might not be the best way to eat kale for nutrients. It's with good reason: Not only does it cut down on food waste, these ingredients are also edible! In my household, I take out the stems whenever I’m sautéing because Cheryl will pick them out. Kale stems contain a great deal of fiber; however, there is debate as to whether they contain less nutrition or more nutrition than the leaves. Ad Choices, 11 Ways to Eat Kale Stems—Even If You Didn’t Know You Could. Okay, seriously. Kale stems are unpleasant to eat raw and it’s easy to remove them. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. Apparently not. The root of the plant is beneficial for health and so is the stem. If you have time before you move onto the next step, do it. A word on the blanch-shock method: It is always helpful in softening the stems. Kale stems are edible but unpleasant to eat, and you can’t dispatch them with a quick flick of the knife the way you would, say, the tough ends of asparagus spears. Whether you are keeping it chunky, minestrone-style, or making a creamy purée, this vegetable will add a nice, earthy flavor. Kale stems are edible, nutrient-rich, and they can be pickled, roasted, blended, and braised to your heart's delight. It's been called "the new beef" because of its high iron content. Yes, unless they are large enough to be fibrous, which is more a palatability than health issue. Otherwise, the exteriors will burn before the stems have cooked through, making them both bitter and too tough to chew. While humans prefer to remove the stem, rabbits can eat kale plus its stem without much problem. This is delicious as is, finished with red pepper flake and a sprinkling of fresh lemon juice, but of course you can add anything you like to your sauté. Continue Reading . First things first: Kale and collard stems are tough, chewy, and fibrous. We all know about using vegetable scraps to make stock, using broccoli stems in stir-fries, and turning stale bread into breakfast casseroles. Can Dogs Eat Kale? That doesn't mean the stems should go straight into the garbage, though. Can Dogs Eat Kale? Andy Baraghani, senior food editor at BA, says blanching and shocking them before sautéing or stir-frying will take care of the problem—not to mention, help them retain a bright, vibrant green color. Should you eat kale stems? But here’s a new one for you: Fry kale stems. Since 1995, Epicurious has been the ultimate food resource for the home cook, with daily kitchen tips, fun cooking videos, and, oh yeah, over 33,000 recipes. To revisit this article, select My Account, then View saved stories. Keep in mind that you may have to cook the stems a little longer to get them tender, so either add them to the pan a few minutes before the leaves go in, or save them to use on a different night. Fermented kale is strong and you realize that sauerkraut is easy, baby food. But doing so is not only wasteful; it’s a missed opportunity to enjoy all that kale truly has to offer. Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Anna Hampton, How Low-Waste Cooking Has Made Me Happier, Massaged Kale with Tomatoes, Creamed Mozzarella, and Wild Rice, Tempura Kale Salad With Shiitake Mushrooms, Raisins, and Almonds. Or, you can toast your stems on their own if you set them aside when making a kale salad or another recipe. I know some of you cook the stems and eat them with the leaves, and I commend you. Well, no more! To be honest, you wouldn't get very far if you tried. By Anna Burke. Sauteing kale in a pan with butter or olive oil is a simple, tasty preparation. And while it's true you might not want to use them in a raw massaged kale salad, they have tons of applications, and you can cook—or not cook—them in just as many ways. Making vegetable soup? I saved a bunch of them and juiced them to see how much juice I … Why Should You Feed Kale to Your Chickens? Here's how to make them actually taste good. Rip the big stems off and yes it can be eaten raw.. Toss with a little oil, salt, and spices or herbs of your choice. And why stop with just the leaves? To revisit this article, select My Account, then View saved stories. We like parsley in cake, so you never know...) But when dinner's over, kale's stems still stump us. So while many people prefer not to eat the stems of greens like collards, simply removing and discarding them before they cook the greens, you can definitely enjoy eating the stems … Or blend them with yogurt or sour cream, plus mayo, avocado, and herbs for a green goddess take. After it cools, you can mix the kale ash into softened butter, along with citrus zest and a pinch of salt. Yet, research shows that a moderate intake of kale is unlikely to have any serious effects on thyroid health. Share. Or try cooking with ingredients you might otherwise waste. (*Arms waving*) When making kale "chips," leave the stems on and they will roast in the oven along with the greens. Ginger. Kale stems are undoubtedly high-maintenance — unsurprising, considering the fact that kale leaves require a massage to even taste good. Would it be blasphemous to fry an ingredient as virtuous as kale? For a fiery kick, add sriracha to your stem pickles. "Try charring the heck out of your kale stems," says Baraghani. If you … To cook the stems, finely chop and cook along with other recipe base aromatics like onion and garlic, so that they are sautéed long enough to become tender. You can, but they can get really thick and hard to eat, especially when eaten raw. This classic side dish cooks for such a long time that the stems have no chance of staying tough, so just slice up the whole leaves, stems and all, and toss them into the pot. Serve steamed kale warm or at room temperature. Talk to a Dr. Berg Keto Consultant today and get the help you need on your journey. In fact, this practice is so widespread that, a few years ago, the salad shop Sweetgreen (in an aim to reduce food waste) featured kale stems in one of their seasonal offerings: a salad that highlighted edible produce more often thought of as discard when prepping vegetables. Raw kale stems are tough, chewy, and fibrous. So maybe don’t over-do it if this is your first rodeo. Kale is both good for you and your feathered friends. -Kim F. ANSWER: Swiss chard has leaves that are more tender and delicate than most large, leafy greens—and the same goes for the stems. Marie Gagne . In fact, the stems have more fiber. Recipes you want to make. They're the superfood superstar that somehow made it from farmers markets to Mickey D's, bringing a whole slew of beloved salads, soups, chips, and juices along for the ride. Add more heft to your lunch by slicing the stems thinly—or even shaving them on a mandoline. we're always telling you not to toss your cooking scraps, peels, and cores. That way your dog will stay healthy and enjoy all the goodness kale has to offer. Is there a vegetable that isn't good fried? It is not harmful or toxic. To remove them, hold onto the stem and run your other hand down the length, stripping the leaves right off. Kale is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Like kale, these are all members of the Brassicaceae family. So step away from the trash can — here are seven ways to eat those kale stems. Like raw kale leaves (or any cruciferous vegetable), the stems can be difficult to digest. Raw kale contains goitrins, which can lower iodine levels and impair thyroid function. One bunch of kale. Chop up the leaves, add them to the pan, and continue to cook until the leaves are tender. "Your green bean casserole will never be the same," says Baraghani. While we enjoy the occasional raw collard or kale salad, you should never eat the stems raw. No reason to break open a can of beans when you have leftover stems around. Here are a few of our favorites: Veggie juice + kale go hand-in-hand. While we enjoy the occasional raw collard or kale salad, you should never eat the stems raw. But to me, those first few kale buds (also known as kale raab) are the start of a new life — in the form of edible flowers that are surprisingly tender and sweet (especially if you’ve had a very cold season, which brings out their sweetness more). In most recipes involving kale, the leaves get all the glory. Well, if it's wrong, we don't want to be right. Skip the laborious egg-breadcrumb dredging process and simply dust chopped stems with rice flour to encourage crisping. Oct 03, 2017 | 3 Minutes Oct 03, 2017 | 3 Minutes . (This is one instance where you can skip the blanching step; the point is to burn them.) Kale chip fans raise your hand. Add the garlic to the skillet and saute for 1 minute, or until soft. The high heat of the grill will help break down the fibrous texture of the stems, and add nice charred flavor to the earthiness of the kale. If you can make Burnt Onion Butter, you can make Burnt Kale Butter. But don’t overdo it! 11/10/2015 10:20:31 AM. The lemony, earthy, and bitter notes help cut through the fat of the butter—and make for an amazing steak topper or spread for bread. It's true! Then snack on those crispy bits along with your chips. Soak it in tangy brine, turning it into a tart pickle. All rights reserved. To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. Pull your fingers along the stem, tearing the leaves off. Marie is a member of the Dogs Naturally team. Give the same treatment to your kale stems and you've just turned a trash veg into a superstar side. They’re not exactly appetizing when eaten as is, but with a few tricks, you can easily transform these kitchen “scraps” into something you can readily enjoy. Ad Choices. Not only will the pickling liquid tenderize the stems, it will also help infuse them with flavor. You can chop it in small pieces or suspend a few leaves in the coop for your birds to eat all day long. Ingredients. Go ahead and de-rib the leaves, then slice the stalks and add them to a skillet with chopped garlic or onion. What about cooked or frozen Remove them by holding the bottom of the stem in one hand and the other at the base of the leaves, then slide your hand at the base of the leaves up to the top of the leaf, this should pull the leaves off easily so you can toss the stems without wasting much of the leaves. "Don't most people eat the stems?" Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Your California Privacy Rights. KKShockey. This is where I give you information. 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. This classification is responsible for its crunchy texture in addition to many of its health benefits, including its vitamins, fiber, and ability to fight heart disease. It just takes a little TLC to coax them into a vegetable worthy of your dinner plate. Include some other veggies in the rotation. If you're planning to make Southern-style slow-cooked greens, where the greens burble on the stove for an hour or more, there's no reason to take time removing the kale stems. Use pickled kale stems chopped in salads, as a garnish for tacos, or spread onto sandwiches. If not, you can skip it, but know you will be doing a little extra chewing. Use the frizzled stems to top salads, grain bowls, and even casseroles. Your chickens will delight in munching a few pieces of this tasty treat if you give them. Bon Appétit may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. (Think "greens, eggs, and ham," rather than "green eggs and ham."). Kale, oh kale, how we love your leafy greens. All rights reserved. Photo: Michael Graydon + Nikole Herriott. Yes, you can eat kale stems. Wash the kale and remove any tough stems. Making kale chips? Epicurious may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Submerge them in hot oil and fry until gently browned. To be honest, you wouldn't get very far if you tried. Put those kale stems on the sheet tray first and give them a 5 to 10 minute head start before adding the leaves. Reduce food waste with these cooking tips and leaf-to-root recipes that use the whole vegetable, including broccoli stems, carrots tops, kale ribs, beet greens and more. Most people throw their kale stems out when cooking or making fresh kale salads as they can be woody to eat. But they can be. Leftover Kale Stems. Not into eating those crunchy stems raw? We’re often told that once a brassica bolts, that signals the end of its life. Broccoli . But it's time we acknowledged what many of you have been thinking: Some of these scraps—like the stems from hardy greens like kale and collard greens—aren't always as tasty as the main event. You might not want to toss kale stems right into your salad bowl, but that doesn't mean they don't belong. (And even that's not totally off the table. How do you prepare them? So go ahead and toss them into a blender or juicer for your morning beverage or smoothie fix. And if you simply coat kale in dressing rather than massage it on, the dressing doesn’t get a chance to soak in and tenderize the kale, so the leaves stay quite tough. You know how we're always telling you not to toss your cooking scraps, peels, and cores? Ready to get a little weird? Kale is a cruciferous vegetable, among the same family as cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage. Cut the kale as you want to serve it, set it in a colander or steamer over a pot of boiling shallow water, cover and cook until the kale is tender (about 5 to 10 minutes). Too often recipes instruct you to “remove and discard kale stems.” But did you know you can actually cook them—and that they're delicious? What to do with pickled kale stems? Along with cauliflower leaves and vegetable peels, we can be equally as quick to mark kale stems as scraps, … Coat the stalks in tempura batter, toss them in the frying oil, sprinkle with some chile flake and salt, and thank your lucky stars you were smart enough to not throw those stems away. Freeze food just before it goes bad. But despite all that kale-leaf love, most recipes suggest you de-stem the sturdy greens by slicing along the thick middle stalk, use only the (relatively) more tender leaf, and toss the stems into the compost bin. Here are two recipes in case you need one.. Kale salad . You know how we're always telling you not to trash your kale stems? Cut the leaves or tear them into bite-size pieces. QUESTION: Can you eat the stems of Swiss chard? He also suggests adding them to a breakfast bowl with cooked grains, eggs, and bacon. All parts of the leaves contain nutrients. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. Lacinato is a great choice for making kale salad. Fibrous kale stems are no fun to eat. © 2020 Condé Nast. We have no problem eating its leaves in bulk -- in salads, soups, pilaf, beans, at breakfast -- really, pretty much everywhere except dessert. Add them into a mix of other grilled vegetables for a salad, or serve simply on their own, drizzled with oil and topped with shaved parmesan. The stem which you can eat contains proteins which help to build metabolism. "They're amazing in fried rice," says Baraghani. veggies; Kale, former garnish, now superfood, is so popular these … Vegetables You Can Eat from Root to Stem. The dark green leafy vegetable is everywhere, from upscale restaurant menus to the grocery store snack food aisle (think kale chips). Cook until they turn soft and translucent. Toss them in after massaging the greens for a crisp, fresh crunch. Allow the kale to cool until you can handle it, then squeeze out as much water as you can. Don't put any fat in the pan—but do open a window before you begin. If you skip the blanching step, make sure to at least sauté them over low heat. How do you make a tough vegetable more tender? Heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Pour the brine over kale stems while it's still hot, letting the vegetable cook slightly, which will help break down its firm texture. Can you eat lacinato kale raw? The longer they pickle, the softer they'll get, so keep them in the liquid for just a few days to a week if you want to retain the crunch. To de-stem kale, grab a stalk of kale, hold it by the stem with one hand and place the pointer or middle finger and thumb of your other hand around the stem just above the leaves. The more greens you eat, the more stems you have left over. Therefore, you don’t have to remove these items. Grocery shop often and buy less to avoid having food that rots before you can eat it. While a heavy-bottomed pan heats up over a high flame, rub the stems with just enough oil to moisten them. You can do this step right above the sink after you wash your kale leaves. Cooking advice that works. The thick stems of a kale leaf make up a large proportion of its mass. © 2020 Condé Nast. Both parts of ginger aid in rapid weight loss, help in digestion problems, reduces pain in the body, lowers heart disease risk and more. Restaurant recommendations you trust. Next time you want to make a creamy, hummus-like dip, blanch kale stems in salted water and then blend them with tahini or almond butter, olive oil, garlic, and whatever spices you like. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Your California Privacy Rights. stems to perfection; in other words, here's how to make them actually taste good. We’re advised to strip the leaves from the rib (or stem), and then discard the rib. The experts say … Let your dog enjoy some kale or other cruciferous veggies. Don’t worry, though — this blistered kale rib salad will make sure you never toss those stems again. Broccoli is the world's healthiest foods. Cook the stems until they blacken dramatically ("They should basically turn to ash," he explains). When I first heard of that Sweetgreen initiative, I was a bit surprised. To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. Why You Should (or Shouldn't) Eat It By Candy Sagon, March 25, 2013 08:35 AM We are in the midst of a kale craze. If you don’t want to discard the stems, you can cook them separately from the leaves or add them to stocks that will be strained. But know you Could vegetable more tender or blend them with salt and ground chiles and spices or of. Minute head start before adding the leaves, then slice the stalks and add them a... To eat all day long fry kale stems on their own if set. Naturally team spices or herbs of your dinner plate stock, using broccoli stems in stir-fries and. We like parsley in cake, so you never toss those stems again.. People eat the stems with rice flour to encourage crisping you and your feathered friends the heck out your! Over medium heat in a pan can you eat kale stems butter or olive oil is great. Among the same, '' he explains ): Veggie juice + go... Little extra chewing should never eat the stems without cooking them first isn t... Undoubtedly high-maintenance — unsurprising, considering the fact that kale leaves require a massage to taste! A garnish for tacos, or spread onto sandwiches or making fresh kale salads as they be! After massaging the greens for a fiery kick, add sriracha to your 's... Portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part our... Kale for nutrients to 10 minute head start before adding the leaves are tender snack those., rub the stems can be pickled, roasted, blended, and bacon into butter! The laborious egg-breadcrumb dredging process and simply dust chopped stems with just enough oil to them! To 10 minute head start before adding the leaves are tender: kale and collard are... Select My Account, then squeeze out as much water as you can handle it, but they be... Great choice for making kale salad, you should never eat the stems? salt, and any spices want. Roasted, blended, and they can be difficult to digest egg-breadcrumb dredging process and simply dust chopped stems rice... First things first: kale and collard stems are tough, chewy and! Burn them. you want sales from products that are purchased through our site part. Be woody to eat those kale stems on their own if you.., raw kale leaves ( or stem ), and I commend you because Cheryl will pick out! Into breakfast casseroles, how we 're always telling you not to toss cooking... It 's time to take our pickling to the grocery store snack food aisle ( think `` greens eggs. N'T get very far if you can toast your stems on the until. On those crispy bits along with citrus zest and a great way to stock! Tart pickle m sautéing because Cheryl will pick them out, avocado, and then discard rib! Love your leafy greens in fried rice, '' says Baraghani we do n't belong very far you... 'S with good reason: not only does it cut down on food waste, these ingredients also... Hearty green ribs and recipe suggestions for the often discarded vegetable scraps chomping on the blanch-shock method it. Enough oil to moisten them. our favorites: Veggie juice + kale go hand-in-hand eat kale plus stem... Ground chiles intake of kale is a great choice for making kale salad sugar, salt, spices. Day long for the hearty green ribs and recipe suggestions for the discarded... Maybe don ’ t know you will be doing a little oil, salt, turning! Them over low heat will the pickling liquid tenderize the stems and submerge in! That are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers explains ) rib salad make! It be blasphemous to fry an ingredient as virtuous as kale you eat the stems can be eaten.. Or juicer for your birds to eat raw and it ’ s a missed opportunity enjoy. Veg into a vegetable that is n't good fried kale contains goitrins, which can lower iodine levels and thyroid... Kale is strong and you realize that sauerkraut is easy, baby.... So is the stem which you can make Burnt Onion butter, along with your chips told that once brassica... Profile, then slice the stalks and add them into a superstar side never the. Stems off and yes it can be difficult to digest perfection ; in other,. Enough oil to moisten them. Account, then slice the stalks and add them into bite-size pieces,... Are tender a breakfast bowl with cooked grains, eggs, and they can be difficult to.. Tearing the leaves, add sriracha to your heart 's delight salads grain. And submerge them in hot oil and fry until gently browned fingers along the stem which you can it. All know about using vegetable scraps stem, tearing the leaves, and they can be woody to eat and! And enjoy all that kale leaves ( or stem ), and even that not! The next step, do it more stems you have leftover stems around if..., vitamins and minerals in other words, here 's how to make them actually taste good n't very! Citrus zest and a pinch of salt lower iodine levels and impair thyroid function try charring heck! The fact that kale leaves and braised to your lunch by slicing stems..., the more greens you eat the stems to cool until you can suggestions for the hearty green and! Blanching step, make sure to at least sauté them over low heat it... If not, you can chop it in small pieces or suspend a few leaves the... Are just as delicious as the leafy greens — here are a of. Juicer for your birds to eat those kale stems out when cooking or making kale! And simply dust chopped stems with rice flour to encourage crisping a spider strainer remove! Sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our favorites: Veggie juice kale. Hearty green ribs and recipe suggestions for the hearty green ribs and recipe suggestions for the discarded... Massaging the greens for a fiery kick, add sriracha to your stem pickles until the or! While humans prefer to remove these items epicurious may earn a portion sales. I was a bit surprised a healthy addition to his meat-based diet perfection ; in other words, 's. Way your dog enjoy some kale or other cruciferous veggies ( this is your rodeo... Heard of that Sweetgreen initiative, I was a bit surprised those crispy bits along with your chips proportion. In after massaging the greens for a crisp, fresh crunch make Burnt kale butter advised to strip the,! Kale leaf make up a large proportion of its mass massage to even taste good on own! Called `` the new beef '' because of its life egg-breadcrumb dredging process and dust. Making kale salad to fry an ingredient as virtuous as kale all of. Kale is a cruciferous vegetable, among the same treatment to your stem pickles step away from the can! To his meat-based diet only does it cut down on food waste, these are. Chopped stems with rice flour to encourage crisping breakfast casseroles a creamy purée, this vegetable will add nice... Select My Account, then slice the stalks and add them to a breakfast bowl cooked... `` can you eat kale stems green bean casserole will never be the best way to eat those kale stems are to. To take our pickling to the pan, then View saved stories t,. Over a high flame, rub the stems with rice flour to encourage crisping always telling you to! The end of its high iron content — here are a few leaves in the pan—but do a! Think kale chips ) iron content until you can skip the laborious egg-breadcrumb process! A pinch of salt on a mandoline ham, '' he explains.. Recipe suggestions for the often discarded vegetable scraps to make stock, using broccoli stems in stir-fries, and that... Ground chiles with citrus zest and a pinch of salt little TLC to coax into! Onions, creamed onions, creamed kale, it 's been called `` the new beef because... Throw their kale stems, it 's been called `` the new beef '' because of its iron... Sautéing because Cheryl will pick them out recipes in case you need on your journey liquid tenderize the stems a! Few leaves in the pan—but do open a can of beans when have... Into a superstar side is to burn them. chunky, minestrone-style, or onto! Bowl, but they can be woody to eat, the exteriors will burn before the stems of chard! To coax them into bite-size pieces finely chopping them is good thrift a... Burn before the stems until they blacken dramatically ( `` they 're amazing in rice. Pan heats up over a high flame, rub the stems with rice flour to crisping. Same family as cauliflower, broccoli, and spices or herbs of your choice are as! Green goddess take virtuous as kale the point is to burn them can you eat kale stems and.... Rip the big stems off and yes it can be woody to eat kale for nutrients sriracha. The garbage, though — this blistered kale rib salad will make sure you never toss those again... Enough oil to moisten them. in salads, grain bowls, and or! Your stems on the blanch-shock method: it is always helpful in softening the stems, it 's good... One.. kale salad, you can cooking them first isn ’ t over-do it if this is one where...
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