Category: Leafy Green
Kale is a leafy green vegetable that belongs to the cabbage family. It has dark green or purple leaves that are curly or flat in shape. Kale is known for its high nutritional value, as it is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It has a slightly bitter and earthy flavor, and can be eaten raw in salads, sautéed, or added to soups and stews. Kale has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its health benefits and versatility in cooking.
Flavor Profiles:
- Earthy
- Slightly Sweet
- Peppery
- Bitter
What goes with Kale:
- Cranberries – The slightly tart and tangy flavor of cranberries complements the slightly bitter and earthy flavor of kale, creating a balanced and flavorful combination.
- Garlic – Garlic’s pungent flavor enhances kale’s earthy taste, adding depth and warmth to dishes like soups and stir-fries.
- Olive Oil – Olive oil, with its fruity flavor and peppery finish, complements the slight bitterness and earthy taste of kale, while also helping to break down the plant’s cell walls for better nutrient absorption.
- Parmesan Cheese – Parmesan cheese pairs well with kale due to its rich, nutty flavor and ability to balance kale’s bitter undertones, while complementing its earthy and somewhat peppery notes.
- Pomegranate Seeds – Sweet and tart pomegranate seeds provide a burst of flavor that contrasts kale’s bitter undertones, making for an eye-catching and delicious salad.
- Quinoa – Provides a protein-rich base that balances the earthy flavor of kale and adds texture.
- Dried Cranberries – The sweetness of the dried cranberries provides a nice contrast to the bitterness of kale, while the tartness of the cranberries enhances the flavors of the kale.
- Sweet Potatoes – Their natural sweetness complements the slight bitterness of kale, and their starchy texture works well in salads and bowls.
- Coconut Milk – Coconut milk pairs well with kale due to its creamy texture and slightly sweet, nutty flavor, which complements kale’s slightly bitter taste and adds a rich, dairy-free base for sautéing or blending in smoothies and soups.
- Chickpeas – Chickpeas and kale pair well together because their nutty and earthy flavors complement each other, while the chickpeas provide a source of protein and creamy texture that contrasts with the tender, leafy kale.
- Lemon – Lemon’s acidity balances kale’s bitterness, while its bright, refreshing flavor enhances kale’s earthy taste, making them a classic and complementary pairing in salads and juices.
- Onion – Onion’s sweetness and savory undertones complement kale’s earthy and slightly bitter flavor profile, creating a harmonious balance in taste when combined in dishes.
- Avocado – Creamy avocado adds healthy fats and a smooth texture that contrasts kale’s hearty leaves, making it perfect for massaging kale salads.
- Pistachios –
- Curry Powder – Curry Powder’s complex blend of spices, including turmeric and coriander, complements kale’s earthy and slightly bitter flavor, adding depth and richness to dishes.
- Almond Butter – The nuttiness and creaminess of almond butter complements the earthy flavor of kale, and adds a source of healthy fats and protein.
- Lemon Dressing – The acidity in lemon dressing tenderizes kale and brightens its flavor, creating a refreshing and tangy contrast.
- Nuts (E.G. Almonds, Pine Nuts, Or Walnuts) – The crunch and richness of nuts complement kale’s texture and taste, adding a satisfying component to salads and side dishes.
- Grapefruit –