Ep 5. Kale

Grow, Cook, Eat is a cooking show that showcases sustainable and healthy eating practices. In season 1 episode 5, the focus is on the versatile and popular leafy green, kale.

The episode begins with host, Samin Nosrat, visiting a local farm where she learns about the different types of kale and how it is grown. She speaks with the farmers about the importance of soil health and using sustainable farming techniques to produce quality crops. Samin then picks some kale leaves and heads back to the kitchen to showcase how to clean and prep the kale for cooking.

Next, Samin shows viewers how to make a simple kale salad using just a few ingredients. She emphasizes the importance of massaging the kale leaves before adding any dressing to soften the tough fibers and make the salad easier to digest. The salad includes ingredients like lemon juice, garlic, and parmesan cheese, which complement the earthy flavor of the kale.

In the second part of the episode, Samin demonstrates how to cook kale in a variety of ways. First, she shows how to make a kale and potato hash, which is a great option for a hearty breakfast or brunch. She uses olive oil, onion, and red pepper flakes to add flavor to the dish and the kale provides a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.

Next, Samin makes a creamy kale and mushroom pasta dish. She uses whole wheat pasta to add fiber to the dish and the kale is mixed with a tangy cream sauce and sautéed mushrooms. This dish showcases how kale can be used as a base for many different types of sauces and dressings.

Finally, Samin brings everything together with a kale smoothie recipe. The smoothie includes ingredients like kale, banana, almond milk, and chia seeds. She highlights how kale can be used in sweet and savory recipes and how it can be a great way to add more vegetables to your diet.

Throughout the episode, Samin shares tips on how to store kale and uses for leftover kale stems. She also highlights the health benefits of kale, including its high vitamin and calcium content. Samin encourages viewers to experiment with kale in their own cooking and to try different varieties to find their favorite.

Overall, Grow, Cook, Eat season 1 episode 5 provides a comprehensive guide to kale, showcasing how this popular leafy green can be used in a variety of ways to create healthy and delicious meals. The episode emphasizes the importance of sustainable farming practices and highlights how simple techniques like massaging kale leaves can make a big difference in the taste and texture of dishes.