You can and you should. Work hard. Don’t stop. Unless there’s wine. Drink it. Then work harder.
If people don’t get it. Lose em. Find people that do. They exist. Make them your friends. Go thrift shopping. Buy skirts. Talk about ice cream.
Make the world more beautiful. That’s our job while we’re here. And we’re still here. So love well, and hard, and like we won’t be here forever. Because we won’t.
Use your good luck spoon. Throw away your bad luck fork. Remember that texting and driving is dumb. And your car horn never really adequately expresses your anger, so don’t use it and just scream in the car a bit if you must.
Buy kale. Especially if it’s named dino. It’s ok if it has dirt on it. It came from the ground. Wash it well. Combine it with coconut. Roast. Feed it to a person you love. See what happens. You’ll have just made the world more beautiful. Is it really that easy? Sometimes it is. Mind blown.
You might never guess that such a simple combination of ingredients could be so wonderfully lovely.
You also might never guess that I’ve eaten this dish every day for a week straight. That is no exaggeration. It’s so good. So comforting. Soooo the new mac and cheese.
Kale and unsweetened coconut is tossed with soy sauce, sesame oil, sriracha, and olive oil. It’s baked until golden and crisp.
It’s chewy. It’s crunchy. It’s a total mouth workout… and so so good for your body.
Farro is a big hearty grain and it stands up wonderfully to robust kale and coconut. Brown rice would also be quite nice.
This recipe is from Heidi’s Super-Natural Every Day cookbook and inspired by Tracy.
Tracy told me that this dish was serious man food/comfort food. I refused to believe her. I finally made it for myself, fed it to a man… and that was it. Game over. I’m now engaged, pregnant with twins (a boy and a girl), I just won the lottery, someone just bought me a pony, and I have every single pair of shoe that I’ve ever wanted.
Except none of that happened…. but this meal was simply exceptional.
Crunchy Kale and Coconut Bowl
makes 4 small servings or 2 large servings
recipe adapted from Shutterbean and Super Natural Every Day
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (or seasoned rice vinegar if you have that on hand) (i know they’re totally different but both work well)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon sriracha
scant 1/3 cup olive oil
5 cups dino kale, ribs removed and leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
1 cup unsweetened large flake coconut
1 cup uncooked farro
Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
In a medium pot, bring several cups of water to a boil. Salt the water (like you would for cooking pasta) and add farro. Reduce heat and simmer farro, uncovered, for 17-20 minutes, until farro is softened but still has a bit of a bite. Drain in a colander and set aside.
In a small mix together sesame oil (or rice vinegar), soy sauce, and siracha. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, whisking as you drizzle it in so that the dressing emulsifies. You can also place all of the ingredients in a small jar and shake to emulsify.
Place the kale pieces and coconut on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle half (or a bit more) of the prepared dressing over the kale and coconut. Toss around to coat. Bake for 12-18 minutes, until browned and crispy. Remove from the oven. Divide farro and crispy kale into bowls and top with a bit more dressing. Enjoy warm.
Anastasia85
That looks fantastic!! Love the idea of turning crispy kale into a salad (I usually eat it right off the cookie sheet I bake it on — is that wrong?). And the addition of coconut — delicious!!!
Adrienne
This is amazing! I made this for a side dish at a dinner party I hosted and everyone raved about it. My corner store did not have farro, sadly, so I reluctantly subbed a wild rice mix after realizing barley would take over an hour to cook, but it turned out fantastic! Next time I am going to toast macadamia nuts or hazelnuts with the kale and coconut to add a little crunch. I just at the last of it for breakfast. I can’t wait to make this again!
Nicole
Hi Joy,
This was delicious! I tried to pin the post to save this recipe again later, but the photos all said they couldn’t be pinned. Not sure if that was intentional or by accident?
xo
Gail
Kale and coconut – who would have thought that this would become a new staple in my kitchen? It’s easy enough for lunch, and you’re right it has it all – crunchy, chewy, salty, coconutty. I love this! as does my otherwise kale-averse husband. Thank you!
Sarah Wilson
Happy New Year Joy, I made this today, although I couldn’t find dino kale in Wales but the Kale I used was yummo and no faro so rice instead and no sriracha so sweet chilli sauce instead but still it was the best way to start 2013 so thank you xxx
Jen
Ok, I was all, “This isn’t actually that great. Whatever.” But nope. I was wrong. This is totally awesome and filling and healthy and completely delightful and addictive and now I WANT MORE. Awesome recipe. Srsly.
Alison
Made this for dinner…. awesome!! I couldn’t believe how delicious and filling it was. Boyfriend loved it also.
amy
Oh my gosh. I’ve had this recipe bookmarked since you first posted it and I just made it tonight. It. Is. So. Good. I didn’t even bother with the farro; my son and I are eating the kale and coconut right off the parchment paper!
Michelle @ MakeMeCake.Me
Have made this four times in two weeks. L.O.V.E. it!!
Because I couldn’t get to the store in time, I used pearled barley which worked very well. Visited Whole Foods today though and picked up some farro. I only found pearled farro. Is that what you typically use?
Thanks Joy! You’re a kale super advocate and I love it!
Dariana
Joy, I just wanted to say that I am utterly obsessed with this dish. It’s fast, delicious, and I can tell myself that the the homemade ice cream for dessert is perfectly fine because I had such a healthy dinner. So thank you for the inspiration for many amazing dinners.
Elizabeth
I made this several days ago and everyone absolutely loved it!
Julia
So, I’ve eaten half of a rhubarb pie this week. I needed some kale in my life for sure. Also I need a pony in my life. So I made this. I never, ever would have guessed this recipe was going to be so freaking good! I mean, it looks so healthy! I think I may start craving it like I crave boxed mac and cheese. Thank you for sharing it. Now to figure out where Whole Foods hides the farro…dang.
Rose
HI from N.Z. Can u tell me – what is ferro ? Is it a type of rice?
Also I am not familiar with sriracha -some kind of spice?
I will definitely try the recipe.
joythebaker
Farro is a grain. Siracha is an Asian style hot sauce that is quite popular in the states. You might find it at an Asian grocery store.
Stepha
I love you! No seriously, every time I come and browse your blog I find an amazing recipe I cannot wait to try. I too I’m a huge fan of kale and all things coconut, so I can’t wait to this out!
Ashley
I don’t even love Kale, but this dish was amazing! I substituted coconut oil for olive oil and served it with a sprouted rice and quinoa blend (cooked with coconut milk), and topped it with a fried egg. Delicious! Will definitely be a new staple at our house. Thanks Joy!
Rachel
My first time eating kale! My first time eating farro! Who knew? Delicious! Thanks for the eye-opening recipe!
Ali
Made this for my meat-eating man. He loved it!! I also just made it again, adding chickpeas, love, love, love it! Thanks for the recipe!
Stacey S
Do I dare comment when so many have? :) LOVE this recipe; making a couple of batches for our well-deserving middle school teachers sans the farro – which I’ll keep for myself. ;)
michelle
I made this tonight – doubled and it and we loved it!! Thank you for another great recipe
Jonathan
I have made this again and again!! It is just a healthy and delicious meal. And I have started to experiment, I mixed some dijon, red pepper flakes, honey, olive oil and balsamic vinegar as a sauce to go over the kale and it made it into a completely different yet still outstanding dish. Thanks for the inspiration Joy!!
Renee
truly ? you. wish we could be bff.
having said that (;)), i made the kale and coconut and was wondering what your suggestion is for storing left overs. if you put in a baggie or airtight, it gets soggy. what do you do?
i always mention you to my husband, about how much i love your blog. if you’re ever in nyc, let me know. you’ll be my guest in our nail place.
just want to wish you the best of luck. in everything.
R.
Krista
officially obsessed with this dish.
Deb
I just made this for lunch. I only had about 2 cups of kale so I made a half batch. I ended up making my toddler a PB sandwich so I could eat his kale and coconut bowl! SO, so good! I didn’t have farro so I used brown rice and quinoa. Delicious. Definitely a winner. I’m thinking about driving to the store to get more kale so I can have this for supper.
bethh
This was so amazing I ate a whole batch on Saturday and another batch on Sunday. My skin is a delicate shade of leafy green ;-)
Jill
I made this tonight with some few alterations – I just about doubled the dressing and roasted some sweet potatoes along with the kale (I put in the kale about halfway through the roasting process). I also added some sesame seeds and served it with wheatberries. So, SO delicious. I’m in love!
Jasmine
Cannot wait to try this; coconut and kale are two of my favorite foods. Thanks for the revolutionary thinking on this one. Will have to mail order the large flake coconut but think it will be worth it as I don’t think I will get the bacon-ness coming through with the little stuff.
Jackie
I love crunchy kale and this dish sounds really lovely. I wonder if any of you have tried this baking technique with other cooking greens (e.g. mustards, collards, etc.) I have a bunch of assorted greens in my fridge, guess I’ll be experimenting with this tonight!
heather
this is so amazing. i made it a couple of days ago, and am making it again right now. love, love, love and love it!
Michelle
I have all of these ingredients. In my house. Right now. I’m so excited. I’m making this tonight.
Melissa
I’m such a kale nerd and this sounds amazing! I’ll be making it tonight!
lori w
I made this for lunch today and I have to agree it really is like healthy comfort food!
emily
I halved this and I’m enjoying right now!!!
Cookie and Kate
That does it! I’ve heard so many wonderful things about this salad in blogland. It is time to try it.
jordan
i love this. i love that you guys call it man food. im gonna give it to my man and see if it fits the “meat & potato boy.”
Rachel
All of my favorite things are in this recipe. I have seriously been dreaming about making it since you posted this. Thank you for continuing to fuel my kale obsession!!!
Rhapsody
I tried roasting kale once… it burnt to a crisp in the oven. Let that be a lesson to all! — watch your kale closely!
Living The Sweet Life
Kale and coconut – that’s a pairing that I could completely fall in love with.
Your blog posts are always so well written — simple, and heart felt. My favourite part of this particular post (besides the delicious recipe) : ” So love well, and hard, and like we won’t be here forever. Because we won’t.” – – simply gorgeous.
Lauren
Alright girl…only cause you said you ate it every day for a week – I’ma give this a shot. It was the sriracha that sold me, though…
Urban Wife
By the way, I was just reading my February issue of Food & Wine…lo and behold! I love the piece in there about you. You couldn’t have picked a better desert for them to feature. Congrats!! :)
Heidi - Apples Under My Bed
ha! love it. Love the recipe and love your sentiment at the start. Beautiful and so true. I really need to throw away by bad luck fork…
Heidi xo
Marjie
Nevermind, now that I am home I googled it…that is what I thought it was.. Just not at my pcc market but I know I have seen it at the grocery!!!
Marjie
What is sriracha?? Found Dino have the coconut..could not find farro? Or sriracha but the again I wasn’t sure where to look!
Pastrychef23
Sriracha is a Chinese chili sauce, so look in the asian aisle. Near the hot sauces, and though it comes in a few brands, get the one with the see-through bottle, the rooster on the side, and the green cap!
Oh, and if farro was hard to find, look for wheat berries. Pretty much the same thing! Barley works as a replacement if farro is a no-go too! :)
Marjie
Thanks! I stood there debating and picked the one with the green cap and the rooster…must have been telepathy! Also found some farro…!!! Thanks!!!
Marjie
And since I could not wait to taste it Idipped my leftover kobacha squash in it for lunch…yum…needed it in my life!!!!!( the sauce not that farro!)
Andrea Ballard
I made a version of this last night and my husband loved it!!! Except I cooked the kale in some peanut sauce and topped with sauteed portabello mushrooms. Wish I had thought about the coconut!
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes
I love kale lately – sounds amazing!
Kate
Made it last night. Delish!
Jillian@TheHumbleGourmet
This sounds right up my husband’s alley. Yum!
Alexis
pony, engagement, pregnancy. things we all want. let’s make some kale. i’m stoked.
janet
Truer words were never spoken. This is superb. Just making it now. Took a long time to locate some farro (Whole Foods on Lincoln in SM finally carry it). I have to share my secret spot in SoCal….Olive Oil & Beyond, a little owner-operated shop on Balboa Island. He carries about a hundred varieties of organic olive oils from all over the world and balsamics. And he encourages samples, shows you how to mix the oils and vinegars and suggests recipes. (Blueberry balsamic + Picqual olive oil + gorgonzola = a great summer salad dressing). I digress. So I used their sesame oil and replaced the soy with a white grapefruit balsamic. Now I’m planning to eat more of this than is probably healthy. So grateful!!!
Danni
If this isn’t a reason to detox then I don’t know what is! Looks scrumptious!
Erika - The Teenage Taste
I’m pretty sure I tell you this everytime, but I LOVE THOSE BOWLS!
Seriously…where’d you get them?
Ashley @ cooking for one
This recipe sounds so good healthy. One of those recipes that makes you feel healthier just reading about it – also one of those recipes that I wish I thought of myself!
Shawna @ CheekyChic
I love a dish with a hearty helping of grains and greens. This being a man pleasin’ dish and all should go over well in my house. I live with three boys and a man.
Mrs Baker
I LOVE YOU!
Jessica @ How Sweet
this is my fave of all faves of heidi’s recipes. so chewy… so coconutty! the coconut alone has helped me love kale.
Sandra
Hi Joy —
This sounds positively yummy!!! May I ask where you get the large, flaked coconut? I have looked for it for another recipe with no luck. Any suggestions?
You totally rock!!!
Lindsey
I found it pretty cheap in the bulk section at Whole Foods
andrea
i ate too much….
Stacy Marie
This looks like an excellent variation on the excessive amounts of sauteed kale I’ve been eating as of late. I’ll have to give it a go. Meanwhile, good luck with those babies, and the pony!
Cupcake Kat
This sounds so good. nom nom nom. I would never have thought of a combo like coconut, kale, and farro but I think it would be delicious
tamara
this looks incredibly delicious…and congrats! the sunset piece is awesome….and so deserving. thank you so much for all that you share here.
Jen @ pretty plate
Have I told you lately that I love you?!
This (as always) looks amazing.
I think I might try my first kale meal.
: ))
Jen
Emily
Not going to lie, I was a skeptic. Kale was certainly not a regular on my menus (okay, I’ve never cooked with it. Ever.) but this recipe? Amaze.
Pure2raw Twins
love this post! and love dino kale. and coconut! I shall have to try making this flavor combo! sounds so delicious! thanks for the idea!
Charlotte
“I’m now engaged, pregnant with twins (a boy and a girl), I just won the lottery, someone just bought me a pony, and I have every single pair of shoe that I’ve ever wanted.”
BWA HAHAHA! If only! What stories you’d have for us then!
Anna @ the shady pine
Kale is earthy and you can feel it’s green goodness doing you good as you eat it. The coconut here is a nice touch!
Sarah @ See Sarah Bake
Never in a million years would I have thought to call this “man food”. So need to give it a try!
Julie
this looks fantastic, it will definitely be my lunch tomorrow.
And, SHUT THE FRONT DOOR, girl, there you are in my Sunset Magazine!! I might have yelped a little yelp of JOY when I saw you there! Woo Hoo!!
I’m very excited for you!
tamara
saw you on sunset! wow. making the kale and having the melty chocolate pnut butter cake for a capper. your blog brightens my day.
Gen
Nice plate! And I do scream in my car, but I know I should keep zen ^^
CookiePie
Looks beautiful!! I have a bowl of cooked barley in my fridge, I just might try this yummy dish with that instead of farro. I might! You can’t stop me :)
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe
I have kale in my fridge. This is so happening tonight.
modernworkinggirl
Just had kale and mushrooms with soy sauce tonight! The coconut is totally inspired.
Nicole @ The Dirty Oven
Ok…I am offically a nerd. Listening to you podcase and reading your blog. Going to so try your coconut kale soon! After a good “cry…:)”
JenMarie
This is interesting! I keep wanting to try Tracy’s kale chips, but have been afraid to. Maybe I should just trust you two. You haven’t failed me yet! :)
Jessica Ann (@peonyfish)
I love your sweet writing voice Joy. This post totally spoke to what I needed to hear right now.
Gayle
I’ve been looking for a way to use farro! I’ll give this a whirl!
Ann P.
So awesome! A healthy chip that I could definitely eat 50 of and not feel bad. ;)
Jenna
This is the best recipe for kale I’ve read. I can’t wait to try it!
Pat
Abosolutely love your comments today. Could not be more true or more appreciated on a more appropriate day (at least for me). We never know who we touched and this hit my soul.
Violets and Cardamom
This sounds so amazing. I love dino kale and am always looking for new ways to eat it. Thanks for sharing this!
Meghan
“Make the world more beautiful. That’s our job while we’re here. And we’re still here. So love well, and hard, and like we won’t be here forever. Because we won’t.”
This… and the amazing food, of course… is why I love your blog. So much.
tracy
get it get it get it.
i wonder if this kale coconut bowl could get me pregnant….
susan miller may finally be right.
Marleena @ The Flex Foodie
It’s okay Joy – trust me sometimes it best just to live your life for yourself and enjoy it, and when you least expect it, some amazing man will come by and sweep you off your feet! It happened to me and to so many other people I know, and who wouldn’t want to be with such a wonderful woman like you?! I’m making this for my boyfriend tonight! Thanks and much love! :D
Lucia
I’ve got a friend called Dino. And I never use my car horn ;-)
BatterLicker
I’ve been obsessed with this particular recipe of Heidi’s since I tried it a couple weeks ago. I’ve made it every week since. Out of control deliciousness!
Jay @ LocalFood.me
Coconut and kale? Brilliant.
ileana
Also, I’m picking up Heidi’s new book from the library today. Looking forward to it. How does it compare to her first book?
Mara @ Elemental Custard
I have never seen dino kale before! I had 40 plants of kale in my garden this summer and i think we just finished the last of it this past weekend, but not once have I ever had dino kale. I must find this stat. Did you just get it at your regular grocery store? Mine is so sub par apparently.
ileana
Kale is the best. This sounds delicious!
Julie @Savvy Eats
I love this, and am finding it extra inspiring today:
“You can and you should. Work hard. Don’t stop. Unless there’s wine. Drink it. Then work harder.
If people don’t get it. Lose em. Find people that do. They exist. Make them your friends. Go thrift shopping. Buy skirts. Talk about ice cream.”
Julie @Savvy Eats
Yes. Just yes.
{Hit submit too soon}
alyce @ culinary thymes
love this.
Jessica @ The Desert Abode
Roasted kale? Looks AMAZING!
I’m new to kale (just signed up for a CSA box), but it’s quickly becoming a favorite.
Gna
Joy! Love the healthy recipes, keep em coming, can’t wait to get my copy of your book in the post! yayayay
Kelsey @aslolife
Yum, this is actually making me wish I get kale in my CSA box this week, which is not always the case!
Elysia
Mmm, you had me at Sriracha.
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen
This flavor combination…oh my. I crave kale salads, especially Heidi’s Tuscan raw one, at least 2-3 times a week. Definitely trying this.
Laura @ A Healthy Jalapeño
So healthy and colorful, This looks perfect matched for a healthy week plan.
Maureen
Kale & coconut?? My 2 favorite things. I would never think they would be a match made in heaven, but if you say so, I know it is true!
Urban Wife
Oh my goodness! What a lovely dish. I’m all for this new mac & cheese. Totes on board.
Greta @ Staying Lost
It has never, ever occurred to me to combine kale and coconut. It sounds just weird enough to work, especially paired with wine as you suggest. :)
Sarah H B
Love. I need something Healthy in my life….I have been living entirely off bread and cheese lately and the occasional frozen yogurt. Thanks for the happy words, and amazing recipe.
Lindsay @ The Live-In Kitchen
Ohh man I was so excited for you when I read ‘engaged’ and then I kept going and knew it wasn’t for real. Not that your life sucks for not being engaged, but you totally had me fooled for a split second!
I roasted dino kale once and it turned out papery and kind of disintegrated in my mouth. Not quite the “crunch” I was expecting. Is that how it is or did I do something wrong?
sherri lynn @ life of a wife
I would never have thought of putting these together! looks good!
Hannah at FleurDeLicious
Always stop to drink wine. I would argue that if you encounter fresh, homemade ice cream, you should stop for that too.
And roasted kale! Love love love how crunchy it gets. This sounds like a great flavor combo. Thanks Joy!
thelittleloaf
There is so much blog love for Super Natural Every Day at the moment! I can see why with recipes like this though, it looks yummy. I’d normally pair kale with earthier flavours but can imagine this really works. Yum.
Lynne @ 365 Days of Baking
This looks so incredibly healthy. Love the combination of kale and coconut roasted together in the oven. Hmmmm…the kale in my fridge will be baking in the fridge today for lunch.
Thanks, Joy!
Heather (Heather's Dish)
this bowl wins…all of my faves in one big pile? yes please!
Sally @ Spontaneous Hausfrau
I’ve never thought to kale with coconut and asian flavors and, um, DUH! This sounds absolutely addictive.
Lauren at Keep It Sweet
I am a huge kale fan and may have to make this very soon (without the coconut, of course)!
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles
I love your outlook on life and how you share it so well with all of us. Make the world a better place! <3
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
Mmm my kind of health food!
Liz B
Joy, you fill my world with Joy and I love you for that and your amazing recipes and pick me ups!!! x
autumn
I’ve been so curious about roasting Kale! And my gentlemen loves Kale to begin with, so this is right up his alley. Thank you for the recipe!
Adrienne
I am now dying to go out and buy farro! Where do you get yours? I think it is seriously the best grain…maybe it will be like quinoa and within a few years it will be in stores everywhere :D
Elly
I’ve been meaning to try this recipe from Heidi’s book for ages, but as you say, you’d never imagine such simple ingredients to taste so wonderful. Now that I’ve had confirmation from you, though, I might just try it!
Fred @ Savorique
If only much more people knew how tasty can healthy food be… Granted, tasty vegetarian dishes demand work but it’s worth it.
Angela @ the fairy bread chronicles
sweet lordy does this look amazing! sooo into coconut right now. and thanks to this post, i’m feeling a kale phase coming on!
Maureen
I’ve never thought about a “mouth workout” regarding food. It’s a delightful concept to think about.
I love all the individual bits of this recipe so I can’t wait to try it. Every day ? Maybe not every day. A few days.
Looks good.
Amanda
This sounds lovely and simple and tasty! I need to get on this kale wagon, methinks…
Caz
Coconut and kale! This looks fab, dinner sorted x
Alexandra
Okay… DINO kale???? That sounds incredible!!!! I suddenly think I need to have some for breakfast!!
… Is that weird?
xxx
culinarystorm
Anything with coconut in it- I’m sold :)
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga
This looks wonderful!
“You might never guess that such a simple combination of ingredients could be so wonderfully lovely.” <— Actually, I do know how wonderful kale & coconut is because I make chocolate coconut kale chips that I make from a homemade chocolate sauce that's made from cashews, coconut, coconut oil, agave, and tons of cocoa powder. Sort of like nutella, but vegan and made from cashews and then I slather that all over kale and make chocolate coconut kale chips. So good.
Your salad is clearly healthier though :)
Katie @ OhShineOn
Both this recipe (chocolate coconut kale chips) and this kale coconut salad sound phenomenal. What about the two together… one for lunch, the other for post-lunch dessert?