Growing up in a Southern household, we certainly enjoyed our fair share of greens, but they were most certainly not served up like this recipe. Our greens were simmered, almost until surrender, in a pot of broth and a smoked ham hock. Delicious as they were (and still are), they were completely depleted of texture and essential nutrients. I still enjoy a pot of greens and its likker, but I also like to enjoy the taste, texture and nutrient value of fresh kale.
This beautiful bowl of health came to me via Chicago Magazine a while back. The developer was chef John Manion of La Sirena Clandestina. The restaurant has since closed, so am I ever glad I have this recipe to share with you. Chef Manion developed this dressing as a nod to green goddess dressing with a Latin spin and boy did he ever nail it!
The base of the dressing is made with blackened poblano peppers, avocado, and garlic. Yum! They are blended together with egg yolk, Dijon, buttermilk, and oil for an incredibly creamy dressing. I like to thin the dressing with a little bit of water, but you can make it as is of to your own desired consistency. The one thing that I did change was to dial back on the oil, so it doesn't emulsify into a green mayonnaise. This bold dressing holds up very well to the somewhat tough kale leaves. Having said that, one trick I like to use when working with fresh kale, is to massage the dressing into the kale with your hands. This helps break down the leaf fibers making them more tender. Toss in some sliced jalapeños, radishes, pepitas, cilantro and a sprinkle of grated Cotija and this will become your new favorite kale salad with just one bite. Ok, you'll probably be "bowled" over by the taste of the dressing before you even get to the kale.) There will be some leftover dressing, but be thankful. It is delicious as a dip, as a sandwich or burger spread, or even as a dressing over potatoes.
Serve as a light lunch, as side salad, or add in some protein like shrimp or chicken to make it a loaded meal. Enjoy!
