drippy, dark, drizzly, damply days with candles burning in-between…
– fallen leaves, branches & gum nuts on the path
-hibiscus petals, vivid & lovely – taken by Yasmin
-fragile & found
brussels sprouts & baby kale caesar salad
Serves 4
If baby kale leaves are not available, mature kale will work just fine, remove the stems, tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and lightly saute, as in the recipe. If you would like to keep this recipe dairy-free, omit the parmesan cheese and sprinkle with pine-nut parmesan. I like to serve this salad on a bed of warmly cooked millet, with large wedges of roasted pumpkin and an extra drizzling of caesar dressing.
croutons
2 cups torn 1-inch pieces crusty sourdough bread
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
salad
350g brussels sprouts
2 cups loosely packed baby kale leaves
¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (I like to shave pieces using a potato peeler)
2 Tbsp lightly toasted pine nuts
caesar dressing
makes approximately 1 cup
⅓ cup raw cashew nuts, soaked for at least 2 hours
⅓ cup filtered warm water + extra if needed
3 Tbsp lemon juice
3 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp nutritional yeast (can use grated parmesan)
½ tsp tamari
1 tsp Dijon mustard
⅛ tsp turmeric powder (optional, just for colour)
1½ Tbsp liquid sweetener – honey, agave, maple syrup
salt & pepper
to make the croutons
1. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F.
2. To make the croutons, toss the bread with the olive oil and spread evenly onto a baking sheet – bake for about 8 minutes, tossing halfway through, until crisp and golden. Set aside to cool.
to make the salad
3. Shred the brussels sprouts to whisper-thin shreds, using a mandolin, or alternatively, a knife. The key is to get them light and feathery. You should have about 3 cups. Place the shredded brussels sprouts in a medium-sized salad bowl.
4. Wash and dry the kale leaves. In a small pan over medium heat, drizzle in a teaspoon of oil, add the kale leaves and toss around for 1 – 2 minutes, until just wilted. Alternatively, you could lightly steam them. Set aside to cool, then add to the salad bowl.
for the dressing
5. Drain the cashews, and place in a blender/food processor with the remaining dressing ingredients – blend on high until you have a smooth mixture. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more lemon or sweetener if needed. Slowly add extra water until you have a dressing that will pour easily.
6. When ready to serve, drizzle over half of the Caesar dressing and toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle over the toasted pine nuts, shaved parmesan flakes and croutons. Once dressed, this salad is best served immediately.
Serve on a bed of warmly cooked millet with large slices of oven roasted pumpkin and drizzle lavishly with extra dressing. Delicious!
Goodness shared by Stacey
