So tell me, how was your Thanksgiving weekend? Did you eat a lot of food? Are you feeling a little bit sick right now? Need something light and healthy for dinner?
Yeah, me too. As I mentioned on Friday, our Thanksgiving dinner consisted of some semi-Thanksgivingish things from Whole Foods (twice baked potatoes? Why not!), so we just got enough for one meal and we didn't have any leftovers. I was feeling pretty good about not having days worth of mashed potatoes or pie in the fridge, but then I made brownies. Sugary, buttery super rich Mexican chocolate brownies.
Ugh, you guys, no more brownies. Or sweet potatoes. Or stuffing. No! More! Can we just talk about salads and ice water this week?
The good thing about holiday over-indulgence is that when it's all over, I feel more motivated to eat healthy. There's nothing like a night spent regretting eating that extra Thanksgiving brownie (and topping it with gelato--oh yeah, that happened) to help get you back on track, right?
So here's a recipe that's light and healthy--Citrus Sesame Kale. And it's also easy, because after Thanksgiving, I bet you don't want to spend a lot of time cooking either. This serves 4 as a side dish, but you can add some baked tofu or marinated tempeh and it could easily serve two as a light main dish.
Kale is definitely my favorite green. There are other greens that I eat because they're healthy even though I don't really like them (spinach, I'm looking at you), but kale is a green I will actually look forward to eating. Some people say kale is bitter, but I've never found that to be true. (I'm not saying they're liars, but I think I might be missing a tastebud or something.) To me, it's earthy and chewy and delightful. Yes, delightful!
There's nothing creamy in here. Nothing rich. It's just what you need when you've got a post-holiday food hangover.
📖 Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. sesame oil, I used toasted
- 1 tsp. grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 bunch kale, about ¾ lb., tough stems removed & leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
- 1 ½ tsp. soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp. fresh orange juice
- 2 tsp. sesame seeds
- pinch crushed red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add ginger and garlic; cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant, stirring constantly. Add kale and stir until coated with oil. Stir in soy sauce and orange juice; cover and cook for 3 minutes, or until kale is softened.
- Stir in sesame seeds and red pepper flakes (if using) and serve.
Elana @ The Inventive Vegetarian says
You just described my feelings on kale exactly. This looks delicious!
Genevieve says
I look forward to eating kale too...although I've never eaten it just on its own as a cooked side dish. This recipe definitely sounds like it could stand on its own though - I love all the flavours going on!
Kiersten says
Yeah, usually when I make kale it's as part of something else, but it's good alone too! 🙂
shelly (cookies and cups) says
Your pictures are gorgeous! Who knew kale was so pretty?!
Natalie says
Even without post-Thanksgiving blahs, this looks appealing! Love that there's orange juice in it to brighten up the flavours, I've never thought of that combo before!
Kiersten says
The first time I tested this recipe, I added a tablespoon of water instead of the orange juice. The second time, I thought, hey, I'll try orange juice instead! Why not, right? 🙂
Shirley says
I've never had raw kale, so I'll have to try. Ok, I'll admit, I only had cooked kale once years ago. Time for another taste. And I do like spinach!
Kelly @ A Girl Worth Saving says
You photos of this rock! What lens? I need to eat more greens. My husband hates them so I never cook them. I love how you have the citrus element 🙂
Kiersten says
I switched between my macro and my 50mm f/1.4 for this set. But the big change I made was shooting directly into the light (usually I shoot diagonally into it because I didn't want to move the dining room table). I always feel like my photos are a little dull and WOW did changing my position make a difference.
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
Salad and ice water sounds pretty good right about now...that is until the all the holiday goodies start calling my name!
Julia says
This looks delicious! I am always looking for new and exciting kale recipes!
Jenn @therebelchick says
I have a confession to make: I've never eaten Kale. Never...even though I get it in my organic produce delivery every single week...it always sits in the fridge until I throw it away. Maybe I will try this recipe!
Kiersten says
The first time I had it was a few years ago, so I am not judging you. 🙂
Kelly @ Texas Type A Mom says
I've bought kale exactly once before but this sounds like something I might have to try again. I have a hard time selling my husband on new things - he's mostly planted in his meat and potatoes Midwestern roots.
Kiersten says
Well, I think of all the greens that are out there, kale is the easiest to like. There are a lot that are really bitter, but kale is much more mild.
Jayne says
I just found kale this weekend! For the first time ever! I love how green yours look.
Kiersten says
Really!? Oh, well, you need to try it! It is so good. 🙂
SynchroSwimmer says
It looks so light and nutritious!
Sharon says
Morning! Wanted to confirm I received your message about the kale post. I apologize as I am still figuring out what is acceptable for sharing recipes via blog so completely understand and thank you TOO for understanding. Went ahead and removed the post from my site. You have great recipes and will continue to enjoy following. Have a wonderful day! 🙂
Kiersten says
No problem! Most food bloggers are okay with a photo being used as long as their recipe isn't republished. But everyone is different, so you'd probably want to ask first. 🙂
Mordechai says
Thanks for sharing this delightful recipe. We grow 6 types of kale in our backyard from October through March. When the warm weather comes, however, kale may begin to have a slightly bitter taste. The cold weather is when kale is at it's tastiest as the chill brings out kale's natural sweetness.
Kiersten says
Yes, kale is definitely best in the colder months of the year!
yoko says
this is the way my mom used to make kale! thank you so much for posting the recipe. made it tonight and i inhaled the whole batch 🙂