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Massaging kale
Beginner Vegetables, grains and beans
Massaging kale is rubbing raw kale with a little oil, salt, or acid so it softens for salads.
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How do you do it?
- Strip the leaves off the stems and tear or slice into bite-size pieces.
- Add a pinch of salt and a drizzle of oil or lemon juice.
- Squeeze and rub the leaves with your hands for 2-3 minutes.
- Stop when the leaves turn darker green, shrink a bit, and feel silky.
Why does it work?
Rubbing breaks down the kale's tough cell walls, and salt draws out water. The leaves become tender and less bitter without any cooking.
What are the common mistakes?
- Leaving the stems in — they stay tough and woody.
- Massaging too long — leaves go limp and watery.
Still stuck? Watch someone do it on YouTube.
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