kale

Throughout the years, I've seen several different ways of achieving perfectly wilted kale. Growing up, my mom would pan-fry the dark, leafy green, smothering it with soy sauce and diced red bell pepper to offset its bitter flavor. When I was in culinary school, I was taught to blanch and shock the kale, then sauté it à la minute. However, I think I've discovered the most simple method of kale preparation — steaming — and it requires less than five minutes and only one pot. Put away the sauces and oils and bust out the old-school stainless steel vegetable steamer, because you're going to love steamed kale, unadulterated.

After the indulgences of Summer and the upcoming gluttony of Fall, a stretch of clean eating may be in order before Halloween hits the doorstep. What better way to make this happen than pulling straight from Fall's bounty with some good-for-you kale? Dark leafy greens like kale boost chlorophyll levels in the digestive tract, helping with digestion; the veggie also supports healthy detoxifying functions of the liver, and puts an end to constipation. Clean eating, indeed!

Baked Kale Chips

Who knew detoxing could be so snack friendly? Light and nutty, baked kale chips make a healthy alternative to chips, and satisfy cravings for all things savory, salty, and crispy. Make kale chips work even harder for you by tossing them in curry powder; turmeric promotes healthy liver function, detoxifies the liver, and aids in digestion.

Green Detox Juice

While a liquid only diet is not the smart way to detox, including a nutrient-rich pressed juice into your routine has its benefits. Nutritionist Kimberly Snyder recommends her Glowing Green Smoothie to clients to "rejuvenate skin, fight aging, and increase energy;" she also recommends the juice as part of a healthy weight-loss program. Made up of about 70-percent green vegetables (and 30-percent fruit), this smoothie helps you eat far more kale than you ordinarily could.

Continue reading for another detoxing kale recipe.

You've probably been told since you were a kid to eat your veggies, and perhaps none are as important as those leafy greens. And for good reason. Here are three important reasons to get more leafy greens in your diet.

They're packed with nutrition: Leafy greens pack a lot of nutrients in just one serving. For example, a cup of raw spinach gives you more than your daily recommended daily intake of vitamin A, which is crucial for healthy skin, eyes, and teeth (if you think that's impressive, check out the rest of this chart — a cup of romaine lettuce gives you twice the amount of vitamin A!). Other important nutrients you can find in greens include magnesium (an essential mineral that helps keep your body and mind feeling alert, relaxed, and functioning properly), iron, vitamin C, and cancer-preventing phytonutrients. Not only that but greens like spinach, kale, and bok choy give your body a healthy dose of calcium.

They're versatile: You don't have to chow down on a salad every day; leafy greens can be added to any number of meals. Sauté leafy greens in a bit of olive oil and seasoning for a healthy warm side, or steam the leaves for a few minutes to maintain even more of the nutrients. You can even sneak raw leaves into a juice or smoothie to get much-needed nutrients without having to go the salad route. For an indulgent way to sneak leafy greens into your diet, try making these vegan brownies with spinach baked right in!

They help you detox: The nutritious benefits of leafy greens don't stop at disease-fighting vitamins and minerals. Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and chicory contain high levels of chlorophyll, which help your body detox and alkalize. Cabbage and other cruciferous veggies like broccoli, kale, and turnips help detox your body by promoting better liver function.

Have we convinced you? Try these five fast and easy ways to sneak veggies into your diet.

I had this dish as an appetizer recently at a restaurant and I thought it was such a great combination of flavors and textures. I couldn't wait to re-create it, and boy, was it easy. I love recipes that call for just a few ingredients that really let the ingredients and their natural flavors stand out. What makes this appetizer so great is the complementary textures: creamy, salty burrata with curly kale that has been freshly sautéed in a little bit of olive oil, and the crunch of the toasted, garlic-rubbed bread. These appetizers will bring any one who is unconvinced about kale into the light. What's even better about this recipe is that it literally takes 10 to 15 minutes to put together.

Want the recipe? Keep reading.