ABOUT THE RECIPE:
In this appealing side dish, brown sugar or maple syrup adds the sweet, while the tamari provides the savory. It is a beautiful dish that will enhance any meal—and a great introduction to cooking kale, as it takes the mystery out of preparing this fantastically nutritious leafy green vegetable.
Makes 4 to 6 servings
INGREDIENTS:
1 large bunch kale, destemmed, washed, and very thinly sliced
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (see note for oil-free)
2 teaspoons brown sugar, date syrup, or maple syrup
2 teaspoons tamari
4 teaspoons unsalted (or salted) roasted sunflower seeds
INSTRUCTIONS:
Steam the kale until wilted and quite soft but still bright green, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl. Put the oil, brown sugar or maple syrup, and tamari in a small bowl and whisk to combine. Pour the mixture over the kale and toss until the kale is evenly coated. Sprinkle the sunflower seeds over the kale and toss lightly. Serve immediately.
Note: To make this kale recipe oil-free, omit the extra-virgin olive oil. Then to make the sauce oil-free, put 1 tablespoon maple syrup and 2 to 4 teaspoons tamari in a small bowl and whisk to combine. Taste and add a bit more maple syrup or tamari if desired. Proceed with recipe as directed.