Raw Lemony Kale Salad

Ok, this recipe is for all my Kale-Fiend friends out there: Ashley, Pem, Louise, Paul, and Caitlin. (Caitlin, if I make you kale, will you stay home instead of moving to Vancouver?)

I’ve been seeing on the foodblogs lately that one can eat kale raw in a salad, as long as you give it a good massage. I wonder if it will give me one back if I’m really good! And after a fantastic raw kale salad at one of my favourite restaurants (Camros Organic Eatery — Persian organic vegetarian food, go now!) last night before rehearsal for my latest show. I absolutely had to try it out myself. And I am SO glad I did! Paired with savoury Indian-inspired tamarind lentils (yummmmm) from Veganomicon, it was a filling, low-glycemic index dinner that hit the spot, ready in half an hour. Perfect for a Wednesday night.

Raw Lemony Kale Salad

Inspired by Kale Salad with Oranges at Elana’s Pantry, Serves 4

• 1 bunch of kale, leaves torn off the stems in little pieces
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 big pinch fleur de sel (salt)
• zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tsp. sumac (optional)
• 1/4 red onion, sliced as thinly as possible
• 1 apple, sliced thinly

Toss kale, olive oil, and fleur de sel in a big bowl. Massage gently with your hands, which softens the kale and makes it less bitter. Allow the kale to rest for 10 minutes.

Add lemon zest and juice, sumac, onion, and apple. Toss to coat everything well, and serve. Enjoy with a smug smile, because you’re getting your greens in deliciously!

Other Kale Recipes You May Love:

• My favourite (and the recipe people always tell me they loved trying!) Lime and Sesame Steamed Kale
• Crispy Kale Chips, even kids like them
• Kale & Lentil Dal