How to cook Baby Kale?

[WildIris]

I bought some Baby Kale at the farmer's market this morning. I've never had it before and I'm not sure what to do with it. Any suggestions from Kale lovers out there on the best way to cook it?

Thanks in advance,
Iris

[spughy]

Baby kale? Hm. I've only ever eaten adult kale. I guess it's like the kale version of veal.

Anyway, I would just blanch it quickly. Or even eat it raw, although I think it's supposed to be one of those veggies that are more nutritious cooked. The thing I love so much about kale is its sturdiness - it'll take being stewed or stuck in a sauce or whatever - but I don't think I'd do that with baby kale which is bound to be more tender. Just a bit of butter and maybe some nice balsamic vinegar.

[WildIris]

Thanks, Sarah, for your reply. Yes, I was told that Baby Kale is more tender than "adult" (LOL) Kale.

Do you know if people usually eat both leaves and stems, or just the leaves?

Iris

[Taedareth]

I think we just chop the whole thing up (like bok choy) and sauté with garlic and butter. Or grind it in the food processor (raw) and toss into a pot of soup right before I take it off the heat.

[WildIris]

Thanks. I'm going to chop some up right now and saute it in some butter and garlic, sounds delicious.

[cjr]

My family won't eat kale straight up saute'd. I have to put it in a dish. Tonight we are having a chicken sheppards pie with leftover roated chicken, chicken gravy made from chicken stock, onions, carrots, parsnips, celery, and chopped kale...and baby reds and sweetpotatoes for the topper. It's happily cooking in the oven right now.

I love kale in vegetable soups (made with chicken broth).