A Dozen Unique Kale Recipes

It is cold, it is Winter and it is definitely the season for comfort food. For some reason when it gets dark hours before dinner time and farmers markets are nowhere to be seen, I don’t automatically think of produce when it is time for dinner.  I want to shake this up a bit so I have pulled together a handful of unique kale recipes that get me excited.

Part of the reason I decided to focus on kale in the wide world of produce is because while I have made kale chips before I have recently am addicted to a local shops “cheesy” Kale chips.  I put cheesy in quotes those because that is what they taste like they are actually Keto and dairy free because they only have five ingredients; kale, cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and sea salt.   I would have some every day but they are pricey (£3 or $4 per serving) so it is probably a good idea to make my own (check out the last recipe)!

Besides being inspired by chips the only criteria for this round up of unique kale recipes was that it can not be in a salad, too typical.  Saying that I came across recipes like this Tuscan Kale Salad with Gorgonzola Croutons which sound very tasty or a simple sautéed kale but those are too basic!  Here are ideas to get you cooking:

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Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

I usually think of sun dried tomato as a summer thing but when combined with warm pasta, the shallots, the greens, and walnuts it definitely does scream of wintery goodness! (Credit: Love & Lemons Every Day by Jeanine Donofrio)

Sweet Potato & Kale Breakfast Skillet

A hearty breakfast and for some reason I never think of sweet potatoes for morning but why not?  An interesting start with coconut oil and love the topping of goat cheese crumbles. (Source: Foraged Dish)

Apple Kale Cake with Apple Icing

Kale and apple in a cake, what?  And even the icing has apple in it.  This cake has so many healthy swaps you can make, like switching half of the vegetable oil for applesauce I am keen to make it to see this combination of sweet and healthy. (Source: From Veggie Desserts with image by Clare Winfield)

Kale Egg Breakfast Cups

Another option with sun-dried tomatoes but these breakfast cups are certainly suited for year round enjoyment.  I am not sure I would follow the recipe exactly as is – I would probably swap the spicy chicken sausage for a non spicy option – but it sounds like a great morning option!  (Credit: Holly of Taste and See)

Quick and Easy Kale Soup

When quick and easy is in the title This smooth Kale Soup recipe is quick and easy. So many happy things – six ingredients, 20 minute, and it is gluten free.   And this definitely fits the bill of green foods being associated  with healthy foods as it is only 150 calories per generous serving. (Credit: Kate Hackworthy  via Veggie Desserts)

Raw & Spicy Kale Salad Wrap

I said I would not include any salads and I am sticking by this is this wrap is a twist as it is not a true salad. Mark and I have focused on gluten free recipes given his intolerance. With less than 10 ingredients and I think these  raw spicy kale salad wrap recipe would make for a great easy lunch or dinner. (Credit: The Vgn Way Blog)

Black Bean & Kale Tacos

Having just watched the first episode of The Final Table on Netflix I have Mexican tacos on the brain and these are such a fun twist!  Flour tortillas, feta, cherry tomatoes, black beans, and of course kale come together for what sounds like an amazing dish. Plus the recipe offers an option on how to make them vegan! (Credit: Happy Veggie Kitchen Blog)

Vegan Kale & Oatmeal Cookies

Described by the chef as ” just like your favorite oatmeal raisin … with a slightly savory hint from the kale” I was interested in learning more.  Looking at the ingredients some of these I definitely do not have in my kitchen – spelt flour, coconut sugar, or vegan chocolate chips – but it may be going on my next grocery list (Credit: The Colorful Kitchen)

Pasta, kale, creamy tofu and cashew ricotta?  An interest combo but a vegan and dairy-free option! The full recipe is in the Love & Lemons Every Day Cookbook on page 197 but I have also linked the digital version! (Credit: Love & Lemons Every Day Cookbook)

Dehydrated Kale Chips Recipe

As mentioned in the intro, a recipe I have wanted to try and likely one I will make first (just need to find some nutritional yeast) thought I am still questioning what a red pepper would add to this.  (Credit: Olive & Ivy Blog)

Which of these unique kale recipes would you want to make?