Yesterday I went to the grocery store, as did at least one third of the population of Nashville. My list was pretty long since we’d been out of town for a bit. It would be nice to say I make a list and stick to it, but grocery stores are a fantasy world to me and you just never know what might be around the next corner. And so I bought a pomegranate. It just looked absolutely enchanting and I couldn’t resist. I also bought some really pretty kale with no particular goal other than I like it and it’s good for you. It was a busy afternoon and I really didn’t get around to thinking about dinner until after six o’clock. The plan was to make a salad with spinach and poached pears, to go with some sautéed chicken, but that kale was on the counter and it was calling my name.
I wrote earlier about a restaurant where I had a massaged kale salad and the waitress explained that the dressing had been worked into the kale to make it wilt a little. That seemed like a good idea. Into the bowl went lemon juice, olive oil, honey and kale. I gently stirred the dressing into the kale with my hands for a couple of minutes, added salt and pepper then tasted - yum. But it still needed a little something to pretty it up and add the wow factor. Then I remembered the pomegranate. Pomegranate seeds are slightly sweet with a little crunch, they should be just the thing. The salad was beautiful, and even better, delicious. I was standing around admiring my handiwork when Sammy sauntered into the kitchen, took a look at the salad, and said “That looks just like Christmas.” Well by golly it did. The kale had turned a bright green, the dressing gave it a little sheen and the red seeds were beautiful. I even talked Sammy into trying some and he liked it! An added benefit is that I think it might be pretty good for you in a season where a lot of food seems to be on the heavy side.
We have family coming to dinner this weekend and this will definitely be on the menu. It’s pretty, it’s different it’s super easy to make, and it tastes wonderful. What more can you ask from your salad?
Wilted Kale and Pomegranate Salad
Ingredients
1 small bunch of kale, stems removed, leaves thinly sliced
juice of 1 lemon
1/4 c olive oil
1 to 2 Tbsp honey
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 c pomegranate seeds
1/4 c sunflower seeds – you could probably use any nut or even pumpkin seeds
Directions
In a large bowl mix lemon juice, olive oil and honey.
Add kale and massage it with your hands for a minute or two until it starts to soften.
Mix in salt and pepper and taste.
Add pomegranate seeds and sunflower seeds and toss to combine.
This should serve 4 to 6 people depending on how much kale was in your bunch!
