Midwest Purple/Green Kale: This Week's Market Report "Good Buy"
We all know that kale has been the green star of the restaurant world for the past few years, and for good reason. Kale is delicate in flavor and sturdy enough to withstand most cooking methods. It is incredibly high in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a go-to for “healthy halo” seekers.
Where potatoes and rice once ruled the starch real estate on a dinner plate, kale is moving in fast as the newer, leaner workhorse. Best of all, kale is adaptable, soaking up any flavorful sauce, marinade, or spice rub. Leaving both the stalk and leaf intact, kale leaves loves to be dredged in seasoned rice flour and dunked in ice cold tempura batter, deep fried to crispy perfection. Served alongside a simple soy and chili paste sauce, lime wedges, and dusted with salt, this appetizer is sure to please and it is quick and inexpensive to prepare. Creamy kale gratin is a major crowd pleaser and is especially nice fired in individual cast iron pans or ramekins. Marinated in chipotle in adobo and lime juice, kale pan-fried with mushrooms, onion and garlic are an excellent vegetarian taco option.
Midwest purple and green kale is also perfect for making crispy, crunchy oven-roasted kale chips because the natural curl helps to trap flavors like garlic, soy sauce, chili flakes, and parmesan cheese.
About the Chef
Stephanie Goldfarb is a Chicago-based chef and national food television personality specializing in seasonal, globally-inspired cuisine. Recognized as the winner of Food Network’s America’s Best Cook competition, and a celebrity chef on Kitchen Inferno and NBC’s Food Fighters, Goldfarb delivers unique and relatable culinary experiences to discriminating and casual diners alike. As the owner of the successful Seven Species Supper Club & Catering, she enjoys the challenge of building brand new menus each month that inspire both repeat clients and newcomers, and seeks opportunities to utilize new ingredients, techniques, and approaches in accessible ways.