The girls made dinner tonight and commented that it was tasty and satisfying; something they worry about since I’ve Veganized our kitchen.

This meal is very simple and easy for little helpers.

I always have red sauce in the fridge and usually some gourmet cheese ravioli in the freezer.

The salad really rounds out this meal. Fresh veggies at every meal just makes good sense.

Meatless Monday was so easy today. We all worked together. This mom loved it!

…And don’t believe the “ it’s bitter” complaint often levied against this healthy nutrient packed green.

So many of the kale recipes I find utilize this green in soups and rightfully so, it stands up to lots of heat and long cooking times.

But one of the things that I like best about kale is the fresh “greenness” of its taste and the robustness of its texture.

This green stands up to some intense flavors like garlic and tomato which are the ingredients I used today.

This would make a great side dish with beans or on a bed of polenta for an entrée.

It would also be great with pasta.

I enjoyed mine au naturel!

Ingredients:

1 bunch of kale
5 cloves of garlic
1 fresh tomato
2 tbsp olive oil
Splash of balsamic vinegar
2 Tbsp tomato sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Add olive oil, thinly sliced garlic, and chopped tomato to a warm skillet and sauté.

Add roughly chopped kale and let simmer and reduce over medium heat 10-15 minutes.

Add the splash of balsamic vinegar and salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy!

This was my first meal from my garden. This was my first attempt at a garden! It was actually thrilling to grow my own cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers and basil and construct these humble ingredients into a healthful meal. I felt invigorated all day with these wholesome foods in my belly.

I never realized that I would be so deeply affected by something so simple, so primal. Is this how our ancestors felt? Does this feeling explain the elaborate and brutal ritual sacrifice practices of ancient cultures? Did they realize the tenuous and fragile balance of nature which allowed them to produce food? Were they in awe? Were they grateful?

I wonder if we would be more humble, more grateful for our food if we were more deeply connected to it. Would we eat as much meat if we had to raise, care for, and slaughter animals ourselves? Would we value the complex nutritional components of vegetables and legumes if we watched them grow and saw the sun and rain turning tiny seeds into beautiful plants and fruits?

When you can taste the sunshine in a tomato do you not feel completely connected to the Universe?
I did. If just for a moment I was grateful.

Cherry Tomatoes with Cucumbers and Basil
Cherry Tomatoes
Cucumber
Basil
Olive Oil
Sea Salt
Lemon juice

Chop, toss together, drizzle with olive oil, sea salt and lemon juice.

Tuna Steak with Peppers
4 oz Tuna steak fresh or frozen
Garlic
Pepper

Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees
Chop pepper and garlic. Place tuna on foil (enough to completely wrap).
Toss pepper and garlic on top, sprinkle with sea salt. Add a drizzle of olive oil. Wrap completely. Place in oven and cook until the tuna is right where you like it!