TOASTED KALE AND PAN FRIED CHICKPEA SALAD
Wednesday 01.15.14 
I recently stumbled upon an article claiming that there's a "backlash against kale". I don't remember where it was, because honestly, WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK? I stopped reading before I ever started. If there IS a "backlash against kale" I certainly don't want to sit down for dinner with the said backlashers. Instead I'm left wondering when are we going to BACKLASH against actual problems? When will we say ENOUGH with corporations who put chemicals, sugar and fat in our foods that has no business being there? When will we BACKLASH against obesity, heart disease, diabetes and the insane rise in autoimmune diseases and cancer? If you're not angry about the state of food in this country world, if it doesn't make you FURIOUS that there's no way to tell if your lunch has been genetically modified short of exclusively buying organic, I think it's time we have dinner. I'll serve you this kale salad and get you all riled up, I promise! {And you will LOVE the salad, there will be no backlash there.}
Want to know how you can take a stand and say ENOUGH ALREADY, every single day? Use your dollars. Shop at your local farmers market. Stop buying foods that have mile long lists of ingredients that you need a PHD to even pronounce. Use your vote, use your best judgement, use your heart. Ask questions at restaurants. Request more organic produce at your grocery store. Talk to your family and friends about what you're eating, what they're eating, where it all comes from. I believe in us, I know we can ALL do better. Yes, absolutely 1000% me too. Let's do it, ok? Because if I even see another headline claiming that the "kale fad" is over I'm going to scream. Loudly. And it will probably startle my dogs. I don't want to do that. ...*climbs off soapbox* xx- Sarah {recipe and more after the jump}
TOASTED KALE AND PAN FRIED CHICKPEA SALAD
Serves 2
INGREDIENTS:
1 large head of curly kale
2 cups cooked chickpeas (or one can)
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon paprika
3 tablespoons chopped preserved lemons (recipe here)
1 Meyer lemon
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Sea Salt
Extra preserved lemons to garnish
METHOD:
- Preheat oven to 225 degrees.
- Rinse kale, remove stems, tear into pieces. Toss in just enough olive oil to coat and sprinkle lightly with sea salt.
- Toast kale for 25 minutes or until kale is a good mixture of wilted and crunchy.
- In a sauté pan combine coconut oil, chickpeas, paprika, chopped preserved lemons and a hearty pinch of sea salt. Cook over medium high heat until chickpeas are crispy, stirring frequently!
- In a large serving bowl combine kale and chickpeas. Squeeze 1/2 of a fresh Meyer lemon over the top, drizzle lightly with a high quality olive oil and sprinkle with finishing salt. Garnish with a few slices of preserved lemons. Serve immediately!
pan fried chickpeas, toasted kale in Food 
Reader Comments (41)
what a fantastic post! thank you writing it. and this kale salad looks AMAZING. i'm always up for kale.
Thank you thank you thank you!!
Why people are picking a fight over vegetables when it's PROVEN that processed food CAUSES diseases is completely bewildering.
AMEN. Seriously, I am SO THRILLED to hear someone else that has the same strong reaction as me when I see these "kale is a dying fad" headlines. WTF is right!
This was the PERFECT post to read this morning. You are so right. It's disgusting what passes for food. Even at "healthy" co-ops and stores like while foods. You really have to be on your A-game when buying anything packaged or pre-made. I just whipped up your recipe for roasted potato and warmed kale salad (for the fourth time in two weeks :) ) and I think this will have to come up next. Thanks Sarah!
What a simple and healthy meal! I would love this with a curry spiced yogurt sauce. :)
I saw the stupid article also. Amen, Sarah. I totally agree…My mom even was called trying to tell me that my green juicing isn't that healthy. And, I'm like, SERIOUSLY this is ridiculous.
I hardly ever comment on blog posts, but this one was too good to pass up. As a person who has watched numerous family members suffer for years from celiac disease, chrons disease and diverticulitis, it sickens me to read these articles about how healthy food is a fad. I could not agree with you more. Thank you Sarah!
Hear hear! I'll take some salad, please!