Salad
Serves 2 for a main course lunch or 4 as a side dish.
For all of the ingredients, please use only those that are organic or pesticide free.
 
1 bunch Cavalo Nero kale (also known as Lacinato), ribs removed
1 teaspoon olive oil, canola oil (unrefined), or grape seed oil
 
Optional ingredients to add in might include the following:
 
1/4 head red cabbage, thinly sliced
1/2 avocado, cut into 1/2 inch chunks
1/2 red pepper, cut into thin strips
1 tangerine or orange, peeled and sectioned
1 jalapeno pepper, seeds and ribs removed and chopped
2 scallions, thinly sliced
  fresh cilantro leaves
  fresh mint, thinly sliced
  lime
 
Remove the ribs from the kale. Tear the leaves into fork sized pieces and put in a medium sized salad bowl. Drizzle with oil and use your hands to massage the leaves. They are very hearty and this process helps to break down the fibers in the leaves and make them more digestible.
Add enough peanut dressing to generously coat the leaves and toss thoroughly. Add any additional ingredients you desire and serve.
 
Peanut Dressing
1/4 cup brown rice vinegar
3 tablespoons peanut butter, unsalted preferably without additional ingredients
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely chopped or grated
2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce
1 tablespoon tamari soy
1 tablespoon agave nectar
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1/3 cup canola or grape seed oil
  salt and pepper
2 tablespoons coconut milk, unsweetened (optional)
 
In a small bowl, combine all of the ingredients except the salt, pepper, and coconut milk. Whisk or use a fork to blend the ingredients until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste and add oil, acid, or even more peanut butter as desired. If a creamier consistency is desired, add coconut milk.
There will be enough dressing for about 3 heads of kale. Refrigerate what is left for up to a week.
**Substitute the tahini, sunflower, almond, or cashew butter for peanut butter for those with allergy concerns.