February 5, 2012

Now That's a Kale Sandwich I Can Get on Board With


I'll be honest, I'm not proud posting a recipe for a kale sandwich. I realize there's nothing that cool about kale, despite a recent spike in kale-chip consumption. Unless you live in a commune in Vermont, kale doesn't get you a lot of cultural capital. Not that there's anything wrong with kale - I love it - it's just not something I would, say, mention my admiration for on a first date (or would I?).

But here I am, singing the praises of a kale sandwich.

And as long a I have you here, let's talk about this sandwich, because it's pretty damn good. It starts off, like many good sandwiches, with a spread of rich goat cheese. For those of you who thought you'd come across some vegan low-calorie sandwich, today is not your day. Then there's the kale, which is sautéed along with some crimini mushrooms. It's a hearty, earthy mix. On top, a just-not-quite-all-the-way-cooked-hard-boiled-egg. All in all it's a rich, satisfying sandwich.

Recipe below.


Kale, Mushroom, Egg and Goat Cheese Sandwich
Makes 1 sandwich

-4 tablespoons olive oil
-1 clove garlic, minced
-2 cups of torn or sliced pieces lacinato kale
-4 crimini mushrooms, sliced
-salt and pepper
-1 egg
-2 tablespoons soft goat cheese
-1/3 of a baguette, sliced lengthwise and toasted

1. Bring a small pot of water to a boil.

2. Heat a medium saute pan on medium heat. When it is hot, add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, allow to heat a few seconds, then add the garlic. After 30 seconds, add the kale and saute for about 10 minutes until cooked through. Season with salt in pepper. Remove to a plate.

3. In the same saute pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and heat on high. When it is hot, add the mushrooms and saute until cooked through, about 5-10 minutes. Remove from the heat.

4. In the meantime, gently place the egg in the boiling water and, using a timer, boil for 7-8 minutes. Remove and run under cold water until cool enough to handle. Remove the shell and slice into 5-6 slices.

5. To assemble the sandwich, spread the goat cheese on the baguette, top with kale and mushroom and lay over the slices of egg. Top with a drizze of olive oil and more salt and pepper.