Sesame-Kale POW (this recipe will turn your kids into kale lovers!)
When most people think “Chinese medicine”, they think “acupuncture” or “those funny-tasting herbs”. Yes, these are part of it, but traditional Chinese medicine treats the whole person — hence the term “holistic”. Nutrition is a huge part of our health. Although eating better sounds like it’s too simple, it’s an incredibly impactful way to improve all aspects of our health. You might say that good food is the original “alternative medicine”!
The easiest way to improve your diet is not to completely overhaul it from day one. It’s all about adding foods you enjoy, instead of depriving yourself of foods that you love but maybe aren’t as healthy. Over time, your body will naturally gravitate toward those dishes that are both delicious and wholesome — like this one!
This recipe combines delicious kale with mineral-loaded sesame seeds. Kale is a health classic. Not only is a great source of fiber and easily absorbed calcium, it's also one of the best sources available for beta-carotene. This makes kale a major player in the prevention of cancer and other age-related chronic diseases.
Here in Santa Cruz, fresh kale is easy to find at your local grocery store or — better yet — at the farmers’ market. Pick a bunch that is uniformly colored (no yellow spots) and crisp (stems snap when you bend them). This recipe will work with any kale variety, but dinosaur kale (the dark green kind that looks like dinosaur skin, also called Tuscan kale) is best.
As a mother and acupuncturist, this is one of my favorite recipes — an absolute hit among professed kale-haters. In fact, if you ask my kids what their favorite veggie is, they say kale every time thanks to this recipe!
Mo’s Sesame-Kale POW!
1 bunch Dino kale
2 Tbs. Olive oil
2 Tbs. BROWN rice vinegar
2 Tbs. Braggs liquid aminos
1/2 cup sesame seeds (can also use pumpkin seeds)
Rise kale. Cutting perpendicular to the stem, finely slice the kale into thin ribbons. (This eliminates the need to de-stem the kale).
In a dry pan, fry sesame or pumpkin seeds until they are lightly roasted and start to pop (2-3 minutes).
Throw the kale, seeds, amino acids and rice vinegar together in a large bowl and toss. Let stand 1 hour to overnight to marinate the kale. Yum!
