Kale, oh kale. I finally made it into a smoothie! Salads, chips, eggs, soups, and casseroles, into all these things I have added kale. Sometimes successfully, sometimes not.
Going against all protests by my kids, I vowed to come home and make kale into something drinkable.
We just had a huge harvest from the school garden, with loads of Russian Purple kale. This variety claims to be milder than most and the leaves are soft rather than crunchy like some other varieties.
With loads of sweet oranges around from Farmer Steve, I thought that to be a great base. I have found that citrus helps balance the strong flavor kale tends to have.
Banana adds some creaminess and a veil of sweetness to join in with the orange and kale. Lastly, a full cup of frozen blueberries chills the mixture as well as lends its own antioxidants and sweetness to make a lovely drink with out any added sweeteners. You could add some honey or any sweetener you prefer, but really this comes together just right with out any of it. Taste it first and adjust to your taste. The kale is only a hint in a very healthy dose of fresh goodness.
Kale Smoothies
makes 2, 8oz smoothies
3 Valencia oranges, juiced
1 banana
two large kale leaves without stem and veins
1 cup frozen blueberries
Put everything in a blender and whirl until well blended. Divide into two glasses and enjoy!
Hints: To devein the kale, simply pull the leafy part away from the stem. Most of the tough veins will stay attached to the stem. Make sure to get all the leafy goodness!
