Kale and sweet Pepper Quiche

How I Got My Kids to Eat Kale

…and actually like it.

Every summer, farms in our area start pushing kale onto their unsuspecting customers. They assume we know how to cook this thing that isn’t lettuce nor spinach. They assume we’re going to get our kids to eat it. I know you’ve heard of kale. It’s that super green that is really good for you (rated #1 on WebMD’s list of leafy greens) but try to tell that to your kids. It was hard enough to get them to eat quinoa.

“It’s good for you” never works to get my kids to eat something new. It typically quickly reverts to “because I said so” or “no dessert unless you finish your kale”. However, after a few years of joining a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) with kale spilling out of my fridge, I’ve figured out some ways to get my kids to eat it and actually enjoy it.

1. Eat by example — If you enjoy kale (or any green thing) your kids will likely follow your example.
2. Start small — Don’t pile their plate with kale and exclaim “it’s magic lettuce! Eat all of it!” Just make it a small part of the meal and congratulate them when it’s gone.
3. Reward with ice cream — Kids respond a lot more positively to rewarding, so follow through with that ice cream when they eat their kale.
4. Add bacon! — Bacon makes everything better, but added to braised greens it’s extra special.
5. Hide it — You’ve tried it sauteed or braised and they still don’t like it, then you need to hide it in soups, mac-n-cheese, smoothies, egg bakes, omelets (see recipe below). Dry it and sprinkle it on everything!
6. Take a break —Sometimes it’s okay to not have kale for dinner and break out the frozen peas.
7. Two words: Kale Chips — All kids love chips and kale chips are easy to make and are tasty. It does take some practice to get them just right but the Internet is full of recipes like this one: Parmesan Kale Chips
8. National Kale Day — Yes, it’s a real thing and you can even be a Kale Hero!

I was trying to think of 10 things but could only get to 8, so please add your own tips and tricks to this post. Kids everywhere will be forever grateful and healthier eaters. Eat More Kale!

And now for a recipe! (the pictures show rainbow swiss chard but pretend it’s kale)

Kale and Sweet Pepper Quiche

Ingredients:

1 dozen eggs — beaten
2 cups cheddar cheese — shredded
1 red pepper — sliced
1 yellow pepper — sliced
1 medium onion — diced
2 garlic cloves — diced
1 bunch of kale (or chard, spinach, or any greens) — chopped
1 handful of cherry or grape tomatoes
1 pie crust
2 Tbl spoons of olive oil
Salt & Pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Put the pie crust in a pie pan
2. Beat the eggs
3. Shred the cheese
4. Pour eggs into pie pan
5. Dice and slice the veggies
6. Saute the diced veggies with olive oil and season with salt and pepper
7. Cool veggies for about 15 minutes
8. Put veggies into pie pan
9. Spread cheese on top
10. Place tomatoes on top
11. Bake in 350 degree oven for about 1/2 hour or until golden brown
12. Let stand for about 5 minutes
13. Slice, serve and enjoy!

I bet you like pictures so here you go: