Orange Pecan Kale

When I went to make this kale salad, I thought I was going in an entirely different direction, with lemon and pine nuts, which I have made before and is also delicious but very different. I discovered I did not have pine nuts and so shifted my vision. Toasted pecans and oranges sounded like both a good combination and more seasonally appropriate. I do believe this is my new favorite way to prepare kale. I like kale with many things including fried sweet potatoes and feta roasted potatoes.

Any variety of kale will work. Walnuts may be substituted for pecans and tangerine may be substituted for orange. Rosemary, lavender or thyme could be used in addition to or in place of sage.

1 bunch kale, thinly sliced

¼ c pecans, roughly chopped

1 tbsp sage, finely chopped

1 tbsp finely diced shallot

1 clove garlic, pressed or finely chopped

½ orange, juiced

¼ c parmesan, grated

2 tbsp olive oil

½ tsp brown sugar

salt and pepper

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add kale to water and boil until brilliant green and tender, 2-3 minutes. Once tender, strain kale and place under cold running water to stop cooking process. Squeeze excess water from kale, wrap kale in a clean kitchen towel and set aside.

2. Next, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Add pecans and sauté until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Add shallots and continue sautéing until shallots are translucent. Turn heat off, add sage and garlic, sauté off heat until fragrant for about 1 minute and set aside.

3. Meanwhile, combine orange juice and brown sugar in a medium bowl, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Once sugar has dissolved, add remaining olive oil and sautéed ingredients, stirring to combine.

4. Place kale in a large mixing bowl, add parmesan and dressing. Gently toss ingredients until thoroughly combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve room temperature.

Serves 2-3