Massaged Kale w/ Quinoa Lentil Pilaf & Chickpeas

I love this recipe because its both nourishing and grounding. Its also full of protein with kale that is massaged and lightly cooked to make it more digestible.

1 Cup of Quinoa, rinsed

2 Cups Veggie Broth

3 Tb Olive Oil, divided

1/2 Red Bell Pepper, diced

1/2 Yellow Onion, diced

3 Cloves of Garlic, diced

1/2 Teaspoon Cumin

1 Cup French Lentils, cooked'

1/4 Cup Scallions, chopped

2 Tb Parsley, chopped

1 Tb Basil, chopped

Salt and Pepper to taste

1 1/2 Cups Cooked Chickpeas, warmed

Squeeze of Lemon

2 1/2 Cups of Kale, washed and lightly chopped

For the pilaf, combine and cook the quinoa in vegetable broth until liquid is absorbed. Cover and set aside.

In a large saucepan, add 1 TB of the olive oil, onions, garlic, and red bell, then sauté until onions are softened and translucent. Add cumin and lentils, stir and cook for about 1 min. Stir in cooked quinoa, scallions, and half of the herbs, reserving some to garnish. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Massage the kale with 1 1/2 TB of Olive Oil for about 2-5 min. Transfer to another saucepan and cook lightly on low heat for 5min.

Toss Chickpeas in remaining 1/2 TB Olive Oil, season with sea salt and squeeze of lemon.

Assemble by layering kale, followed by quinoa pilaf, chickpeas, and topped with herbs!