Beetroot and kale

Bexstars

I have had my first veg box delivery on Friday and in there was a huge bag of Kale and 5 beetroots, both of which I have no idea what to do with. I have never tried Kale and only ever had pickled beetroot. Whats the best way to cook them and do something yummy with them

Thank you, Bex

in_my_wellies

I'm sure others will be more inventive than me but I cook and serve kale like cabbage.

To boil beetroot wash it well. Twist off the leaves at the top. (Do not cut off the root or peel as they will 'bleed' and be dry.) Place in a saucepan and cover with water. Put on a lid. Bring to the boil then simmer for 40 mins - 1 hour depending on size.
Drain water and rub off skins. They will be hot so be careful but the skin comes of very easily - just falls off if cooked.

If you want to pickle them place in jar and cover with vinegar whilst still hot. On cooling the vinegar is absorbed and they keep better. Put on the lid.

Or you can serve fresh. I like to serve as a hot vegetable, sometimes with a white sauce.

lil_me

Kale can be used in a stir fry like cabbage, I don't care for it much myself (my lizard loves it) so prefer it that way when I buy him it and there are left overs need using. I used this recipe last time I cooked it, definately adds more flavour

Saute a few garlic cloves in oil, add kale leaves (cut off the stems), cover & simmer. After 10 minutes, add 3 tbsps of water, 1 tbsp of butter, and 2 tbsps of soy sauce. Cover & simmer for another 5 minutes. Great with caramelized onions.

Bexstars

thanks Looking forward to trying them!

Could you roast the beetroot or do you just boil them?

Bexstars

lil_me wrote:

Kale can be used in a stir fry like cabbage, I don't care for it much myself (my lizard loves it) so prefer it that way when I buy him it and there are left overs need using. I used this recipe last time I cooked it, definately adds more flavour

Saute a few garlic cloves in oil, add kale leaves (cut off the stems), cover & simmer. After 10 minutes, add 3 tbsps of water, 1 tbsp of butter, and 2 tbsps of soy sauce. Cover & simmer for another 5 minutes. Great with caramelized onions.

Sounds good, I have all of those things in too so will give it a try, thanks

prettypennies

I usually give beets a gentle scrub then roast with sea salt and olive oil serve as a side dish.

Beetroot is also lovely diced up and added to beef stew.

Beetroot soup is also a winner served with a dollop of creme fraiche or horseradish.

It also adds a nice earthy flavour shredded raw into winter salads

If you eat a lot of beetroot at once be prepared for the pink pee the next day though!!!

rach

roasted beetroot is gorgeous

enjoy.

VickyA_2

Kale can be steamed, which makes me feel really virtuous........ until I put a little butter on it!

twink

strip kale from its stalk and add to to soup, chopped up, it boils down well and is very nutritious

its very good to grow in the veg garden as it stands being out all winter, in fact it tastes better after being frosted

allIcouldwishfor

When I had loads of beetroot in my box delivery I made beetroot and potato soup with the recipe off the organic box website:

http://www.rivernene.co.uk/recipes/recipe.php?recipeid=112&catid=2

My children loved it because it was a vivid pink colour. Make sure you don't spill it on any light colored clothing though!!

JollyNolly

Jamie Oliver has a great salad made with thinly sliced raw beetroot and watercress, in a lemon and olive oil dressing, with a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground pepper. He serves this with ribeye steak and horseradish. Yum!! Have a look at http://www.jamieoliver.com/podcast/2006/11/24/video_cooking_steak.