I recently read “The Engine 2 Diet” by Rip Esselstyn. I even got to meet him at a Whole Foods Engine 2 Diet kickoff! He was really great and what he’s doing for Americans is wonderful! For those of you not familiar, he is the son of Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn Jr. Dr. Esselstyn Jr. is a heart doctor who, for the last 30 years, has been reversing and curing heart disease in some of the absolute worst patients in America simply through a plant-based diet. Along with reversing their heart disease, most people find great relief, if not cure, all their other diseases as well. If you watch the documentary “Forks Over Knives” you can learn more about this amazing diet and what it has done/is doing for people. Former President Clinton has been on this diet for the last 2 years or so and it has changed his health tremendously. Anywho, Rip is his firefighter, tri-athlete son who helped his Austin, TX firefighting troop reverse their heart disease and other issues they were having by starting a firehouse “Plant Strong” diet. The firefighters would come together for breakfast, lunch and dinner on their shift and create yummy meals together and supported each other in their endeavor. His movement spread through the community and more and more people became “Plant Strong” and majorly improved their health! Well, this post is about one of his “spreads” in his cookbook-Kale Butter. When you go vegan there are a few things that will change when it comes to dips and finding something to wet/dress your sandwich etc. One thing that has replaced mayo for me is hummus. Another is this kale butter. I use it as a vegetable dip, on my veggie wraps, and on my Sloppy Jasons (haha) too! It’s delicious and is very healthy and, something I like, VERY quick and easy to make! So here we go, let’s make it!!
(recipe copied from his cookbook)
You will need:
- 1bunch of kale, rinsed and chopped
- 1/2 cup of walnuts
- 1/2 cup of water
- Salt to taste
Steam the kale for 5 minutes, until tender. Blend the cooked kale with the walnuts and 1/2 cup of the green water from steaming. Add salt to taste if desired (I, personally, did not and didn’t feel it needed it). Process in blender until smooth.
-Kelli

October 21, 2011 at 8:46 am
Good read, I simply passed this onto a associate who has been doing a minor researching on that. Together with he basically bought me lunch because I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch!
October 23, 2011 at 11:09 am
Wow – never would have come up with that idea myself! Looks tasty! Yesterday I read this quote from Rip in the latest VegNews: Kale is the new beef! So glad to see your site
!
Annie
October 25, 2011 at 12:14 am
Thanks, guys!! I was happy to have found this recipe-I use it all the time now! And I love that, Annie–Kale is the new beef! He needs to make a bumper sticker!
November 9, 2011 at 11:04 am
Hey Kelli!
This is a great blog! I have slowly been easing into vegitarian and now as of Nov 1 (world vegan day) I am taking on a vegan way of life. I have never felt better! Thank you for this post, bread spreads of any sort is something I am concerned about missing… and I’m not concerned about “missing” much. This looks super easy and I’ve been wanting to test the world of kale! Keep on keepin’ on, girl!
November 9, 2011 at 1:29 pm
Hey Jill!!
First off, thanks so much!! I’m so happy you’re enjoying it! My sister and I are definitely enjoying sharing this with everyone! And I know exactly what you mean–Once I eliminated dairy from my diet and started eating more vegetables, I felt lighter and have been full of energy-better than ever! -and yes-this spread is SUPER easy to make!! Hope you like it!
January 25, 2012 at 4:34 pm
Wow. This looks fantastic and I will be making it asap. Not sure why I didn’t realize Kale would make a great spread. Thanks!
January 25, 2012 at 5:35 pm
Yep it makes for quite a tasty spread too!
let me know how you like it! I wouldve never thought to do this if I hadn’t seen it in the Engine 2 book!
April 7, 2012 at 2:35 am
I wil definitely be trying this. Thanks for the tip!
April 8, 2012 at 11:39 am
No problem
I hope you enjoy!
May 9, 2012 at 2:59 pm
I love this post. Can’t wait to try.
May 28, 2012 at 11:08 pm
This is a must try!
May 28, 2012 at 11:30 pm
It’s so easy and tasty!!
let us know if you like it when you try it!
June 30, 2012 at 2:41 pm
How long can Kale Butter last in the fridge?
July 7, 2012 at 2:16 pm
Hey Scott, mine is usually gone by the end of the week…so beyond that I’m not sure.
May 22, 2013 at 7:22 pm
Kale butter is so delicious! I dip jicama in it for a low calorie snack.
May 22, 2013 at 7:26 pm
Ooo what a tasty idea! Def gonna try that!