Best Ways to Cook Kale

One bite of massaged kale will make you see the superfood in a whole new light. Massaging the vegetable for three to five minutes with some lemon juice draws sweetness out of the bitter green while making it softer and easier to digest.

Get a recipe for Kale Vegan Ceasar Salad

While no other puny lettuce leaves could survive swimming in a steaming bowl of soup or stew, kale’s strong build makes it the ideal vegetable for a hot brothy meal.

Get a recipe for recipe Cold Kicker Stew

Eggs and kale are both high in iron, and, when bound together in this chic tart (or quiche), a complete meal is made. Reduce fatigue and satisfy hunger with each and every slice – it’s a win-win.

Even reluctant kale eaters will be on board with these crispy chips that transform one of spring’s heartiest harvests into a delectable snack.

Unlike delicate lettuces, kale retains its texture when dressed. In fact, dressing kale beforehand actually benefits the dish, infusing the vegetal greens with your dressing of choice. This salad contains a variety of add-ins that make it feel like the main event, so no precarious picnic proteins, like meat or fish, are necessary here.

These spicy vegetarian enchiladas are stuffed with kale, pinto beans, zucchini, jalapenos, enchilada sauce and fresh herbs for a tasty Mexican meal.

In this bright and modern version of the brunch-time classic, hollandaise is swapped for a zippy blender mustard-mayo, while bacon and shallot sauteed kale and tomato add fresh, bright flavours.

You don’t just have to stick to one type of green — by all means, mix and match to make Michael Smith’s green stew. He jumbles kale, green beans, broccoli and asparagus together, topping it all with plenty of browned butter for hint of nuttiness.

Bacon, mushrooms and goat cheese are tossed with thinly-sliced kale and a balsamic dressing for a delectable dinner salad.

This playful interpretation of scallop pasta uses mushrooms, a surprising source of vegan protein, along with fibre-rich kale, pomegranates and wholegrain pasta. You won’t miss any cheese or meat with this filling main course.

This salad from Ree Drummond is complete with thin spaghetti, cucumbers, two kinds of cabbage, kale and chopped peanuts.

Using homemade salt-free, packaged low-sodium or no-salt-added broths means you can enjoy soup in a sodium-friendly way. Boost the flavour with a touch of balsamic vinegar and olive oil to finish, leaving the salt in the cupboard.

A simple sauté of butternut squash and kale is hearty enough for a main course or can be served on the side at a meatless dinner. Using both butter and olive oil allows cooking over a high heat without burning the dairy, while still adding flavour. Add more chile powder for those who like things spicy.

Leslie Wu is a Toronto-based food and travel writer, editor and explorer. Follow her on Twitter at @leslie_wu.

Give your chicken a healthy kick with crunchy leftover corn and superfood kale. Looking for a dessert to pair with this dinner main? Try these no-bake recipes starring peanut butter.

Kale salad gets a boost from mineral-rich quinoa for a make-ahead, packable side dish or light main course. To up the ante, serve this meal with roasted salmon and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

You won’t miss the meat in this hearty, wholesome superfood stuffed squash. Packed with whole grain brown and wild rice, kale and creamy tahini, it’s a complete meal that will impress any guest, carnivore or veggie-lover. (And you can eat the bowl!)

Red pepper flakes jazz up this green bean, mushroom and kale sauté. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to perk up the flavours and grated Parmesan cheese for a touch of saltiness.

Ground turkey sautéed with kale and loads of garlic get added to a robust chicken soup that’s filled out with white beans and sliced grape tomatoes. Leftover holiday turkey works just as well in this delicious and flavourful soup.

More than just a healthy salad, this beautiful dish boats a medley of flavours.