5 Easy Ways to Use a Bunch of Kale (That Actually Taste Good)

Ah kale - that jurassic looking vegetable with the mildly bitter brassica tone.

It often gets a bad rap, with many turning their noses up at a bunch due to its association with animal food. I mean, yes: people do feed it to cows and rabbits, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy it too!

It's highly nutritious - i.e. bloody good for you - and, when prepared correctly, highly delicious too. Don't shake your head - I see you! You can't judge it too harshly until you try it… so have a go at some of these fantastic (I said it!) ways to consume kale:

Crispy Kale Chips.

A much healthier version of potato chips, with a fraction of the carbohydrates, kale chips are surprisingly divine! Tear the leaves away from the stem, then massage with olive oil until the leaves take on a dark green colour and soften in texture. Toss with smoked paprika and garlic powder, then bake for 10-15 minutes.

Quick Garlic Kale.

Looking for a side dish that enhances the flavours of your main? Look no further! Not only is this recipe easy, it takes basic ingredients (nothing fancy and expensive!) and converts them into a show-stopper. Sautée garlic in butter until golden. Toss in chilli flakes and chopped kale (stems removed) along with a splash of water and cook until wilted. Sprinkle with lemon zest and parmesan and serve.

Kale pesto.

Just because the basil season is drawing to a close, that doesn't mean you can't continue to enjoy pesto! Sure, kale pesto doesn't have quite the same flavours as a classic basil blend - but don't let that deter you! Remove the stems of kale, then blend with olive oil, grated parmesan, lemon juice and any nuts/ seeds you have in the back of your pantry. This is a great addition to a pasta dish, roasted veggies or atop toast or sandwiches.

Throw it in Soups.

I'm not talking about kale soup - I mean, maybe that's delicious too, but let's ease into it! Rather, we're talking about tossing in a handful of chopped kale during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, allowing it to soften and bring a comforting taste. The best pairings, we've found, are: leek and potato soup with a touch of kale; pumpkin soup with a scattering of kale leaves; bean or minestrone soups, who swallow the kale so well that you wouldn't even know it's there.

Kale in Salads.

It's bold but, done right, very very good! It's important to prepare the kale by massaging the kale leaves with olive oil, lemon juice and salt for 1-2 minutes. This helps to remove the bitterness and tough texture that is one of kale’s distinctive features. To broaden the flavours, add in roast veggies, nuts and seeds or a simple dressing. You never know - kale might become a staple on your dinner table!