steamed summer greens: baby kale, komatsuna, mizuna and pak choi

July 1, 2013 • Nancy Wolfson-Moche

Now that summer is in full swing, the body needs light, nutrient-rich greens to cleanse, cool and boost the immune system. If not now, when?

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serves 2-4

INgredients

8-10 leaves baby kale

6-8 leaves komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach)

6-8 leaves mizuna (Japanese mustard)

10-12 leaves baby pak choi (baby Chinese cabbage)

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Process

Wash the greens well by soaking them in a bowl of cold water.

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Trim any unwanted stems.

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Fill a pot just 1/8 full of water and place on stove on medium to high flame.

Place all the greens in a steamer basket (either stainless steel, as shown here, or bamboo.)

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When water is roiling boiling, place steamer basket, covered, in pot.

These baby greens should take less than one minute to steam.

When they look wilted but still bright green, remove them from the pot.

Serve with a few drops of soy sauce and roasted black sesame seeds if desired (I had some leftover from yesterday’s carrot salad.)

All of these greens are in the brassica family, high in Vitamin C and soluble fiber with powerful antiviral, antibacterial and anti-cancer properties.

Icing on the Cake: Testimonials

I’m very impressed by all the elements you are able to pack into the lesson without it seeming at all overwhelming: the review, the actual cooking skills, the creativity of coming up with their own dishes, the chance to present their creations, the opportunity to learn about and share thoughts on something else (in last week’s case, the feelings represented in the book), the execution of their  jobs, the responsibility for one’s station/implements and the overall following of directions…..all without losing the fun quotient. No wonder the kids love coming!  You’ve really created something special so kudos to you!

- T.