Bleak House
Hi Sara!
Sara very kindly donated some of her less (though as it turned out not entirely un-) slug-infested vegetables from the enormous plot she cultivates out back, on the understanding that I replace my carnivorous home page photo. So a real treat for all you hervibores out there!
They also have a polytunnel, which is surprisingly big - for some reason I pictured them about knee-high. Just enough for a strawberry plant. Whereas this one would fit Jack's Beanstalk.
I used most of Sara's leaves in a deliciously mixed green salad, but gave the kale a stir-fry to accompany my milky beef. Very complementary as it turns out - they were both mediocre.
Enjoy!
Spicy Sauteed Kale with Lemon
veg side
An interesting idea I thought - obviously the honey is intended to offset the bitter lemon pith.
It took a surprisingly long time to soften the kale into something approaching edibility though,
so bear that in mind when you cook your lemon.
Serves 6
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 Thai or jalapeno chili and the rest, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced, seeds removed and slices quartered
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 bunches kale (1½ pounds), tough stems and ribs removed, leaves coarsely chopped
- 6 scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- Coarse salt
In a large skillet, heat oil and chili over medium-high heat.
Add lemon and honey and cook, stirring, until lemon begins to break down, about 2 minutes.
Add kale and cook, stirring, until just wilted, about 3 minutes.
Add scallions, season with salt, and cook 1 minute.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Add lemon and honey and cook, stirring, until lemon begins to break down, about 2 minutes.
Add kale and cook, stirring, until just wilted, about 3 minutes.
Add scallions, season with salt, and cook 1 minute.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Meh, s'OK I guess. It needs work though.
I probably overcooked the lemon, and the kale remained stubbornly tough.
And the taste isn't really all that great either.
It helps if you cover and cook the kale for a bit longer, perhaps with a little added water.
Uncover and cook dry before continuing.
The kale still ends up kind of chewy though.
Some kind of yoghurt dressing goes reasonably well, if you can be bothered.
The kale still ends up kind of chewy though.
Names have been changed to protect the innocent SaraWorst!
And please don't cut off my supply - that slug was delicious :)
Happy New Year m'darling.
xxx
#2 – 3 January, 2014 at 11:09 am
Well Karl that is the last time I give you any of my lovely vegetables!! We haven't had a slug in our carrots yet.And what is this Bleakhouse!! Sara Worst indeed. Love you too!! X
#1 – 2 January, 2014 at 11:22 am