Every main meal in our house is accompanied by a large bowl of greens, either lightly cooked or tender salad greens from the garden. This salad is no exception, and it is quite amazing how much kale can fit into a small salad bowl. Raw kale without some attention can be quite tough, however, a little loving massage makes all the difference softening the fibre so it is easier to chew and digest.
Ingredients
6large kale leaves or 10 - 12 smaller leaves
6 - 8brussels sprouts
sourdough croutonssee below
shaved parmesan for serving
Dressing
1large garlic clove
2 - 3anchovies
1egg yolk
2tablespoonslemon juice
small handful finely grated parmesan
approx. 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
cracked pepper
Instructions
Wash the kale and shake well to mostly dry. Remove the leaves by holding the stalk tightly in one hand and running your other hand swiftly along the stalk to break off the leaves. Finely shred the greens with a sharp knife and place in a bowl, add a pinch of salt and use your hands to rub and massage the kale. Finely shred the brussels sprouts using a mandolin or sharp knife and toss with the kale.
Make the dressing. Squash the garlic with the flat edge of a large knife and slide the clove out of the skin. Place in a shallow salad bowl, add a pinch of salt and use the tines of a fork to crush and soften against the bottom of the bowl. Add the anchovies and keep mashing into a paste. Add the egg yolks, lemon juice, cheese and cracked pepper, and combine. Slowly pour in the olive oil while whisking constantly. Check the flavour, adding extra lemon juice if needed. When ready to serve add the greens to the bowl and toss well to coat. Scatter with croutons and shaved parmesan, and if you are game, a few extra anchovies can be draped over the salad.
Notes
How to make croutons
This is a great use for stale bread. Chop bread into 1cm cubes. Heat 1 teaspoon ghee and 1 teaspoon olive oil in a frying pan over a moderate heat. Once hot toss the croutons until golden, tip into a bowl to cool.