Shiitake Mushrooms and Dinosaur Kale
Ingredients
8 ounces shiitake mushrooms sliced
1 bunch dinosaur kale chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon miso paste
Directions
In a saute pan, add kale, shiitake, and oil and sauté on medium high heat until kale becomes slightly wilted. Add garlic and saute for 30 seconds. Lastly add miso and 1/4 cup water and mix well. When the water is mostly evaporated, you are done!
This is a great snack, a fabulous side dish, or a great addition to soups or an omelet. And, as you see, so simple and easy. But hold on, let me tell you about what I have learned about the health benefits of these ingredients. I have been making this because I think it is delicious. Then, I was given this list of healthy foods to cook and eat for 2015 and guess what? Every one of these ingredients where on the list! Phew, I feel so grateful not to add eating healthy to the long list of resolutions. We were already on our way to healthy eating!
We know that kale is good for us and it is packed with fiber. It is all over the place right now as the new health trend. It’s a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium and cancer-fighting phytonutrients says Men’s Fitness Magazine. The Shiitake Mushrooms are just as beneficial. I have heard a number of times from people who thought mushrooms where just a fungi that added calories with no health benefits. This is far from the truth. The American Cancer Society mentions that there are more studies that need to be conducted but that they should be a part of our diets.
Studies in animals have found antitumor, cholesterol-lowering, and virus-inhibiting effects in compounds in shiitake mushrooms….Shiitake mushrooms are promoted to fight the development and progression of cancer and AIDS by boosting the body’s immune system. These mushrooms are also said to help prevent heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels and to help treat infections such as hepatitis…
Garlic has been around for 1000 of years as has Shiitake Mushrooms. Reader’s Digest says that garlic is another antioxidant but may also keep mosquitos away if you want to rub it on your body. I am going to go a step further and say that it may keep some people away if you want to go bathe in it!
Lastly is the health benefits of the miso. Now, I don’t usually add miso but its fermented soy sister tamari (no wheat soy sauce). But because my best bud took my tamari from the fridge and hasn’t returned it, I only had red miso paste. I like the miso better but if you don’t have any handy, use a dash of tamari. Miso has vitamins and minerals and studies show it is good for digestion.
Now if I haven’t convinced you to make this dish with all the health benefits, you must because it just tastes so dang good. Go for it! Be crazy in 2015 and feel great while doing it! Enjoy and cheers!