A winter's tale of birds and beans

The 2.9 inches of snow we had this weekend brought many more birds to the feeders outside our kitchen window.  A lone starling was joined by sparrows, house finches, downy woodpeckers, 7 cardinals, goldfinches, which are beginning to show faint yellow feathers as they lose their winter plumage, mourning doves and the occasional Cooper's hawk, which sends the small birds scattering. It's a good time to be indoors cooking and sowing seeds of tomato and pepper plants.  As soon as the snow melts, I'll get my soil thermometer and when the top inch of soil reaches to 52 degrees or so, I'll begin sowing kale seeds.  Kale is the current darling of foodies and cooks.  It's rich in nutrients, it provides fiber and it's tasty.  

Red Russian has smooth red leaves and you can harvest them in about 25 days.  I like the curly varieties like Redbor, Toscano (the "dinosaur" type), and curly Scotch or Dwarf Blue Curled Vates with their blue leaves.  Kale is a member of the Brassica (cabbage) family, but even if you don't like cabbage, you may enjoy this leafy green, which can be steamed, sauteed, used in omelets and in soup.

Here's a winter kale recipe that's easy to make. 

Kale with Cannellini Beans

2 pounds of curly kale (2-3 large bunches)

Salt and pepper

1 medium onion, diced

1 1/2 T olive oil (I like basil-infused oil, but you can use any good olive oil)

2 large garlic cloves, minced

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary

1/2 cup dry white wine

15 oz can of cooked cannellini beans, rinsed well

Freshly grated Parmesan or Parmigiano reggiano cheese

Curly leaved kales have tough ribs and stems. Fold the leaves in half and remove the entire stem/rib before cooking.

Put a quart of water in a deep pan and add 1 tsp salt. Bring to a simmer and add the kale. Simmer for about 10 minutes until tender.  Drain the kale (and reserve the water for another use--you can drink it or add it to soup). Heat the oil in a large skillet and add the onion, garlic, red pepper flakes and rosemary and saute for about 3 or 4 minutes. 



Add the wine and continue cooking for another 4 minutes. 

Chop the kale into small pieces. Add the beans and kale and cook a few more minutes to heat. Place in a bowl and sprinkle parmesan on top.  Good as a side dish or enjoy as a warm salad with some fresh French or pumpernickel bread.