Kale, Fava, Sultana and Walnut Salad
/Summary: I really love the way that a gentle massage of olive oil into raw kale softens it enough so that you don't feel you're gnawing on leather but leaves it firm enough that you know you're getting kale at its essence. A zippy garlic dressing is the perfect adornment, and I like the mix of toasted walnuts + sweet sultanas + blanched favas as toppers. Delish!
Yield: 1-4, depending on portion size and dish-type
Ingredients:
- ¾ - 1 bunch, red curly kale (ex: Red Russian, Redbor), tough middle stems removed, leaves washed, torn and dried
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- ½ cup shelled fava beans (blanched and slipped from skins)
- 1-2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced (start with 1)
- juice of ½ lemon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ - ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons sultanas (or plump golden or purple raisins)
- ¼ cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, put the torn kale leaves, and over them pour 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Using your hands, massage the leaves with the oil until all are coated and they're soft. Pour in the twice-shelled, blanched favas.
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 T olive oil, the minced garlic, lemon juice, salt and red pepper flakes. Let sit for 5 minutes.
Toss the sultanas and toasted walnuts into the kale-fava mixture and then pour the dressing over, tossing well to coat. Season with salt or lemon juice if need be.
