A Southern Grace: hash it out

April 13, 2017

hash it out

Yum

Potato hash with kale and apples. I do believe kale might be a pregnant woman's best friend!


It's good for people not carrying babies, too, of course, but it seems to be especially beneficial for those of us who are expecting.

It's packed with fiber, which is crucial since digestion slows down SO MUCH during pregnancy. It's also rich in calcium, folic acid, and vitamins A, C, and K. My doctor recommended calcium supplements, so I know it's extra important in forming a strong baby. Folic acid can help prevent birth defects of the baby's brain and spinal cord. Vitamin A is crucial for a healthy immune system for both mother and child. Vitamin K is less familiar to me, but it apparently keeps the blood vessels strong during pregnancy, when the added blood flow becomes crucial to the uterine system. (Just a little Pregnancy Nutrition 101 for you there.) :)


Kale is also pretty high in iron, which is key for me since I've been borderline anemic at times. It rivals spinach as the most iron-heavy dark leafy green vegetable. Eat it, Popeye!

So. Those are the reasons why I gave up resisting kale and began to eat it regularly. This hash has been my favorite way to prepare and consume it, as it offers a variety of textures and tastes with fairly little prep work. I haven't had a side dish as hearty, delicious, and nutritious as this one in a long time!

Mish-Mash Hash
(printable recipe)
Serves 3-4
Ingredients:
  • 1 potato, peeled and diced
  • 1 apple, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 small bunch kale, stems removed and leaves roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions:
First, in a medium pan, heat a splash of olive oil on medium-high until hot, then add the potato and season with salt and pepper.
Cook, stirring occasionally, 7 to 9 minutes, or until browned and slightly tender.
Add the apple and onion to the pan; season with salt and pepper.
Cook, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes, or until slightly softened.
Add the kale and cook 2 to 3 minutes, or until slightly wilted.
Add the mustard and water; cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until the kale has wilted and the water has mostly evaporated.
Transfer to a serving bowl or plate and garnish with the almonds. Enjoy!

20 comments:

Angie's Recipes said...

I love kale and enjoy them daily when in season. This is a very healthy and delicious treat, Grace.

Unknown said...

Oh Grace, you’ve come to the dark side :) The hash (love the recipe name!) looks delish, especially the apple and onion combo. We’ll be making it this weekend for sure.

Pam said...

My love for kale came after both of my pregnancies. I am so glad you are enjoying healthy & tasty food like this hash during your pregnancy. Your baby will have great taste in food. :)

Juliana said...

I am loving the idea of adding apple and greens to your potato salad...looks super tasty and healthy!
I hope you are having a nice week :)

Big Rigs 'n Lil' Cookies said...

I love this type of dish. This might just be the way to get me to enjoy kale instead of just as kale "chips"!

Aunt Nancy M. said...

Adria, This looks so very good. I love Kale and spinach mixed too.
Love you.

Barbara said...

It's a pretty salad, Grace, but I just can't love kale! Spinach yes, all kinds of lettuce, yes. Not kale. I do like it in soup, however. Kind of have the same problem with quinoa. Oh well....life goes on. Happy Easter, Grace!

Marcelle said...

This looks like wonderful, light meal, Grace! Yes, these leafy greens are so good for you and baby! Are hope you are feeling well and getting lots rest! Happy Easter!! :):)

tania| my kitchen stories said...

No Matter what yo say I don't like that prickly darn Kale. i have to admit that adding all those other nice things may make it palatable but, nah. I don't like. ( I am sure your baby is loving it though)

Amy (Savory Moments) said...

I'm still lukewarm on kale... I'll eat it very occasionally. Baby kale is more likely that I'll eat it. But, I do love these additions and you are right that it's a super eating choice for pregnancy. I ate so many prunes lol.

Kate @ Framed Cooks said...

I'm not a kale person, but this salad has me thinking twice! :)

Pam said...

It looks good but kale love hasn't caught on here. I should try this and maybe it will change.

Beth said...

This recipe sounds fantastic. I'm by no means pregnant, and I'd eat it in a heartbeat. Thanks for sharing!

Marjie said...

I'm not a fan of the sharp edges on the kale, but I'll bet it would be equally delicious with spinach!

Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen said...

Did I know you're pregnant? Not sure so CONGRATULATIONS! That's so exciting! And I love kale, so you know I'll be making this hash soon :). Have a great week, Grace!

Food Gal said...

This is a dish that would do any body good. I love the touch of mustard in it, too. Glad you've joined the kale cult like the rest of us. ;)

Pamela @BrooklynFarmGirl said...

It looks really appetizing!

Adina said...

We normally get to eat fresh kale in winter in Germany, but I realize now I have not bought once this last season. What a shame! I must search for it, maybe I can still get some, I love a good potato hash and to mix some kale into it sounds great.

All That I'm Eating said...

I like the sound of adding apple to this potato hash! Sounds delicious with the kale too.

Inger @ Art of Natural Living said...

So did I miss an announcement somewhere??? My first pregnancy was when I started "counting my veggies" After I figured if I'd been doing it for 9 months I might as well continue! This is a perfect dish for that. My two favorite kale recipes are Broccoli Kale Salad http://artofnaturalliving.com/2015/11/15/fall-kale-and-brussels-sprout-salad/ and Tuscan Kale Salad http://artofnaturalliving.com/2015/09/10/tuscan-kale-salad/

Congratulations!