Exploits of a Vegan Wannabe

I am a condiment lover. I have always believed that food was  a vehicle for condiments. BBQ sauce, steak sauce, mountains of mustard and a slather of vegan mayo. I eat sandwiches to enjoy condiments. One of the most fearful changes I knew I would have to make on the  Engine 2 plan is my adoration of salty, satisfying and oil containing condiments. This also includes store bought hummus which I have previously  admitted to having an addiction to. So in an effort to inspire and assist success in my first week of my new eating adventure I made an E2 suggested condiment, Kale Butter.

Kale and I have always had a tumultous relationship. I accused him of being bitter and tough to get along with. He claimed I hurt his feelings because I was unwilling to have him over for dinner. I have been working on this and I now have a willingness to change.

So I bought a beautiful head of Dinosaur Kale and made a new spread to adorn  sandwiches, tortilla chips and crackers.

Photo By: S. Duquet

I tried it first on a tempeh bacon BLT. The spread was moist, savory and insanely freshy fresh. It made me feel like I was eating a garden patch that was grown with water siphoned from the Fountain of Youth. I ate it the next day on tortilla chips, like a faux guacamole and then had it the very next day on another sandwich.

Photo By: S. Duquet

When I went to photograph the Kale Butter it was nearly gone.

I think that Kale Butter is my new mayo, dip and spread of choice. I can’t wait to whip up another batch using different herbs and spices. I think lemon balm or mustard greens would be so sassy.

Kale Butter

From the Engine 2 Diet

Ingredients

1 bunch of kale rinsed and chopped ( I used Dinosaur kale and took out the spine of each leaf and used only the leaves)

1/2 C of walnuts

1/2 C of water (The water left over from steaming the kale)

Salt to taste (I did not add salt)

(I added 2 Tsp of Nutritional Yeast and a generous amount of white pepper)

Make It Happen

Steam the kale for 5 minutes, until tender. Blend the cooked kale with the walnuts and 1/2 c of the green water from steaming. Add salt to taste if desired. (and/or add the Nutritional yeast and pepper).  Process in a blender until smooth.

You are going to love the versatility of this spread. I plan on making this a go to condiment in the fridge.

Have a delicious day.

Tags: compassionate eating, dairy free, dairy free cheese, E2 Diet, Engine 2 Diet, going veg, kale butter, Meatless Monday, plant based diet, plant strong, produce, Rip Esselstyn, trying vegan, trying vegetarian, vegan, vegan challenge, vegan kale butter, vegan sandwich spread, vegan wannabe, vegetarian recipe