Kale Smoothie

Kale so rocks. Versatile, deliciously earthy and a nutritional dream food. Dinosaur kale (aka lacinato or tuscan kale) is one of my favorite varieties. Love it raw in sandwiches and salads, tossed into soups and omelets, and of course....in a big ole, refreshing green smoothie. And then there's kale chips.....delish!
As you can see, Luna likes it too (well, at least she feels the need to give her sniff of approval!)

I have tried to buy the huge bags of pre-chopped kale, but they just don't work for me. I just prefer to bring home my own fresh bunch. I like the process of washing it, removing the stems off the leaves, and chopping it up. 
It helps me to slow down. Kitchen therapy.
We make green smoothies regularly at our house and kale is hands-down my favorite green for them. Add a couple of frozen bananas.....flax or chia seeds....some nut butter....almond milk....a handful of fruit. Lovely.

Kale Smoothie
Serves 2

2 cups unsweetened almond milk
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1/2 to 1 cup chopped fruit, fresh or frozen {I like berries or mango} - optional
2 bananas, frozen
Two really big handfuls of chopped kale {any variety you like}
1 tablespoon nut butter {I like almond or peanut butter} - optional

Measure almond milk into liquid measuring cup and then mix in chia seeds. Let sit for at least 15 minutes. This helps the seeds get gelatinous so they blend well into the smoothie and help it to thicken.
Place milk and seeds into the blender and blend for 10 seconds. Add fruit and blend to combine. Add bananas and blend in. You can add some filtered water, if you need a bit more liquid.
Keep blender running while adding kale a little at a time. Blend until smooth. Add nut butter and blend 10 more seconds. 
Divide into 2 glasses and enjoy your energy boost.

P.S. {No I don't have a Vitamix. Yes, I want one. It doesn't stop me from making green smoothie goodness. Obviously.}