Turn Kale into Tabbouleh

I admit it--I really never liked kale very much. And by not very much I mean not at all. Every fall, I get a little depressed because I know that the produce box (we get a weekly CSA delivery) is going to be full of kale. Just to use it up, I make kale chips which the kids like. I don't know what it was, but it just didn't do it for me.

Well, my friends, all that has changed -- I have discovered massaged kale salads!! Massaging the raw kale softens it and creates a super silky texture without cooking. The best part of this recipe is that it tastes just like tabbouleh -- lemony and garlicky, and almost like parsley -- but it's kale, a superfood! And the whole massaging process is rather relaxing, sort of like kneading bread but without the carbs.

I know what you must be thinking--massaging kale??? This sounds ridiculous and perhaps a bit inappropriate. I promise, this is absolutely a technique and it's used by many a 'real' chef.

If you google massaged kale salads, you'll find people adding in apples, mangoes, nuts, pumpkin seeds--all sorts of yummies. A lot of those things are not Phase 1 on Ideal Protein, but there are still so many things you can do with this recipe. Use this as a base and then add in the things you love--I've noted a few suggestions for you! Let me know what you include.

I hope you enjoy -- I am making a second batch right now, and I'm hiding some to make sure I get to take it for lunch tomorrow!

Massaged Kale Tabbouleh Salad
2 bunches of fresh kale, about 8 cups (it shrinks down to about half)
2 lemons
4 cloves minced garlic
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 tsp. Sea Salt
Pepper
Add ins to pick as you like (chopped, of course):  red pepper (raw or roasted), red onion, scallions, cucumber, jicama (could serve as a pseudo-apple! Include chopped or jullienned), soy nuts....


1. Take the kale off of the ribs. You can see below I've done this with half of the kale so far.

Removing the kale leaves from the ribs

2. Wash the kale well and then slice thinly.
3. In a large bowl, put the kale, juice of the lemons, olive oil, the salt and some pepper.
4. Get your hands in there! Massage the kale until it softens and wilts--about 3 minutes.
5. Put in your add-ins--for my first batch I used roasted red pepper and scallions. Adjust the lemon and seasonings as well (I add more lemon cuz I love it, and usually a touch more salt).
6. Enjoy! Or wait. The longer this sits, the better I think it gets!!

Massaged Kale Salad -- So Good!!