Simple Kale

I feel like kale is the new fad in food.  All over the Internet I see people trying it.  It's being sneaked into dishes and salads and the nutritional benefits are claimed to be numerous.

I admit, I've succumbed to the "fad" myself.  We have it about once a week in some form.

The form we don't have it is: raw.  We just haven't been able to do it.  It's bitter and tough and one day maybe...maybe...we'll do it raw, but not now.

So I have these recipes that call for certain amounts of this amazing green leaf, which usually strands me with half a bag or bunch left over to figure out how to use so it doesn't spoil.

What to do?  Saute it, of course!

And here's a simple way to do it.  It takes about 5 minutes total and it's delicious.  Play around with the vinegar, spices and sweetener to your own liking.  This is just what we like.

Simple Kale
Serves 2-4

• 4 cups packed chopped kale
• 1/2 t crushed thyme
• 1 t sugar or honey
• 2 t balsamic vinegar
• lemon zest to taste (optional)

-- Place all kale in a large skillet with a little olive oil.  Cover and let the steam work its magic for a few minutes.  Then stir it as it starts to turn bright green and begins to wilt a little.

-- Add the spices, sweetener, and vinegar and stir to combine, letting the kale continue to cook to desired wilted-ness.  We like ours pretty wilted, but that's all personal preference. 

-- Sprinkle some lemon zest on top if you want.