Massaged Kale - This Recipe is Delicious, Easy, and Raw!

Yesterday, I took a bunch of kale, stripped it from stems, washed, and cut / ripped it into bite sized pieces.  I then poured some cold pressed organic olive oil and some Umeboshi Vinegar on it.  I admit I did not measure and next time will likely try measuring to get an idea of how much is the perfect amount.  So I then mixed the kale and dressing with my hands until it was saturated and then let it sit about an hour on the counter.  Then it was ready to eat, but I had no time, so I put it in a glass covered dish and refrigerated.

Later, when I had time to eat, that kale was so good, even  my 8 year old loved it.  The three year old is still calling for brown bread and oil.... More work is needed there.  But I think this is one of my favorite raw recipes.  The kale does not taste raw after sitting in the ume  vinegar / olive oil  combo, yet all the vitamin C, calcium, and other nutrients are available.  Just be sure not to throw away any extra liquid in which it sits.  Try using that to dress other salads or dishes,  as I noticed it took on some of the color of the kale, so some nutrients most likely are lost to the liquid..  Find a use for any left after the kale soaks, and certainly the kale can be kept in the dressing, though mine did have a bunch of extra I noticed.... a little bit lax on my pouring skills....

And one more hint; not all kale varieties are equally mild.  This batch used Lacinato Kale and I believe green "curly kale" works well.  However some varieties are a bit stronger flavored and after massaging, still retain their original flavor. If the taste is not palatable, after massaging and letting the kale sit in the liquid,  you certainly can heat the kale a bit until the strong flavor goes away.  It will no longer be raw, but you won't be wasting it!

As I mentioned in a previous blog, umeboshi vinegar, by Eden Foods is a delicious naturally fermented vinegar, made from plums and red shiso (beefsteak leaves), pickled with sea salt.  It is raw and unpasteurizsed and will definitely be a part of many of my raw recipes.   You can find it at Whole Foods and other Natural Markets.  Read about it on their website at  http://www.edenfoods.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=27_53&products_id=109320
I also tried putting some thinly sliced zucchini in the oil and ume vinegar dressing, allowing that to sit for an hour.  It too was delicious.  So I have discovered a great way of making raw vegetables that are not so palatable on their own, fabulous!  Till tomorrow, I wish you a wonderful day!