Massaged Kale with Chickpeas and Avo in Tahini Dressing

by Celestia

Connect with your food! Massage your kale to soften it and release its nutrients, rather than dumping it in a frying pan.

This recipe was inspired MyNewRoots.org

So, I’m a pacifist at heart. But when I read about massaged kale I was a little skeptical. First fruitarians, now this? But I gave it a try and it actually turned out to be a delicious way to soften the hearty green while making its nutrients more accessible to the average stomach. You can add anything to your massaged kale, but I just happened to have some leftover chickpeas and 1/2 an avocado that was calling my name. And thus this hearty, heart-shaped salad was spawned. What kinds of yummies would you add? Enjoy!

Ingredients:

For the massaged kale:

1 bunch kale, stemmed and sliced into ribbons
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
1 drop doTerra lemon essential oil
1-2 tbs. cold-pressed olive oil
Sea salt to taste

Other Yummies to Add:

1/2 can chickpeas
1/2 avocado (cut into chunks)
*You can add anything else you like: fruits, veggies, cooked or sprouted grains and legumes, nuts and seeds.

Optional Tahini Dressing:

1 tbs. fresh tahini or almond butter
1 tbs. nutritional yeast
1 tbs. lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

In a large bowl, dress kale with lemon juice and olive oil, and a pinch of sea salt.

Roll up your sleeves and massage the kale until it softens and its hue deepens to a deeper green (2 to 3 minutes).

Add the rest of your goodies. Serve and enjoy!

*NOTE: Once you’ve massaged your kale, you can store the unused portions in a tightly sealed container for up to 4 days in the fridge.

*NOTE: Not all essential oils are created equal. I only use doTerra because their oils are Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade, which is suitable for internal, external, and aromatherapeutic consumption.

*NOTE: All doTerra Essential Oils are extremely potent. I’d recommend 1 drop per dish. Otherwise, just know that you will have a VERY strong-tasting meal!

Click here to learn more about doTerra Essential Oils.

Benefits:

Kale: Kale is a powerful green which has been proven to help lower cholesterol and reduce your risk of various types of cancer including bladder, breast, colon, ovary, and prostate. It has powerful detoxifying properties and is an excellent source of vitamins C, K, and A. See here for more health benefits and nutritional info.

Lemon and Lime: Lemons and limes are vitamin C powerhouses. Great for immunity, vitamin C can also be helpful for preventing the development and progression of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. See here for more health benefits and nutritional info.

Lemon Essential Oil: Lemon oil has many properties including anticancer, antidepressant, antifungal, antiviral, antiseptic, and antioxidant. It is refreshing and invigorating, had can be used to help lower blood pressure, improve memory, ease sore throats and anxiety, help dissolve cellulite, boost energy, calm digestive problems, cleanse the lymphatic system, and promote a sense of well-being. See here to learn more about doTerra essential oils.

Olive Oil: Olive Oil is packed phytonutrients including polyphenols. Most of the polyphenols in olive oil function as both antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients in the body. When eaten in moderation, olive oil can be very beneficial to our gastrointestinal and cardiovascular health. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.