Southwest Kale Bowl Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds), peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided use
• 2 tablespoons brine from pickled jalapeños
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder, divided use
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt, divided use
• 1 bunch curly kale, stems removed, and leaves cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 red onion, minced
• 4 tablespoons lime juice, divided use
• 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeño, chopped and drained, more to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, leaves picked and chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 cup cooked farro
• Crumbled vegan feta
• Crispy fried onions
• AVOCADO DRESSING:
• 2 medium avocados, chopped
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
• 2 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425° F. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. Place sweet potatoes on pan and toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil, brine, 1 teaspoon chili powder, and 1 teaspoon salt. Spread out evenly. Roast 15 to 20 minutes, stirring once halfway though, until tender and lightly browned.
2. While sweet potatoes roast, place kale in a large bowl. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Massage kale to soften. Set aside 30 minutes while preparing beans.
3. In a small bowl, place red onion, 3 tablespoons lime juice (see Cook’s Tips), pickled jalapeños, oregano, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, cumin, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 cup olive oil. Mix to combine, then fold beans into the mixture and set aside.
4. Make Avocado Dressing: Place avocados, cilantro, 2 tablespoons olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and salt in blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, yogurt-like consistency, adding more olive oil if needed.
5. To serve, toss kale with sweet potatoes, black beans, cooked farro, and avocado dressing. Sprinkle with feta and fried onions.
6. Cook’s Tips:
7. Raw red onions can sometimes have a harsh sulfur-like taste. Remove this by tossing the diced onion in lime juice and allowing to soak for 5 minutes. The acid in the lime juice will lightly cook the onions and remove the raw onion flavor.
8. If you have leftover avocado dressing, store in an airtight container with a piece of plastic wrap against the surface to keep it from oxidizing.