Kale

Ribollita is a traditional Tuscan soup born from peasant cuisine, where each ingredient plays a role in creating a rich, warming dish. This soup is famous for its thick texture thanks to beans and breadcrumbs that absorb the broth's flavor. Pancetta adds a slight spiciness, while tomatoes and rosemary bring fresh Mediterranean notes. Kale makes the dish particularly nutritious, and Parmesan finishes the flavor with depth and richness. Ribollita not only delights the palate but is also perfect for leisurely family dinners. It is not just a soup but part of Italian gastronomic history, where each dish carries the warmth of traditions and care for home.

Valery Chigarnov, chef of the restaurant "L.E.S.", shared the recipe with us.

Ribollita is a soulful dish of Tuscan cuisine that impresses with its simplicity and rich flavor. Its roots lie in rural traditions where soup was made from available ingredients including stale bread, vegetables, and beans. The creamy texture of the beans combines with the sweet-sour notes of tomatoes, the bitterness of kale, and the spiciness of spices to create a cozy, rich taste. The dish perfectly satisfies hunger and warms on cool days. Ribollita is traditionally eaten the day after it is made when the flavors fully develop and the soup becomes even thicker. It pairs well as a standalone dish or with a glass of red wine. This soup is the essence of Italian cuisine, demonstrating that simplicity and tradition can sometimes give rise to culinary masterpieces.

Chicken soup with vegetables and spinach is a classic dish of Jewish cuisine, known for its deeply rich flavor and nutritional value. Historically, such soups were made on Saturdays when long simmering over the fire gave the broth an amazing richness. The aroma of fresh herbs, the softness of spinach, and the slight bitterness of kale make the soup not only tasty but also incredibly healthy. A light tang from lemon juice refreshes the dish, highlighting its natural flavor nuances. This soup warms the soul and body, is perfect for family lunches, and helps restore energy on cool days.

Miso soup with mushrooms is a classic Japanese dish symbolizing the harmony of flavors and nutritional properties. Its history traces back to ancient Japan, where miso paste was used as a base for many traditional soups. The deep, rich flavor of the broth enhanced by the umami of white mushrooms, shiitake, and enoki pairs beautifully with tender chicken and fresh kale greens. The light tang of pickled radish adds zest while nori gives a sea note. This dish warms and nourishes, making it perfect for cold days or a light dinner. Its rich flavor highlights the art of Japanese cuisine where every detail plays an important role. It is served with rice that complements the textural variety creating a complete and balanced meal.

Brisket with mustard, vegetables, and beef broth is the quintessence of British cuisine, embodying comfort and deep traditions. Beef brisket, carefully seasoned with salt, pepper, and dry English mustard, is seared to a golden crust and then gently simmered in a rich broth with thyme, bay leaves, and black pepper. Root vegetables like carrots, celery, and shallots soak up the aromas of spices and meat juices during cooking. Kale and red chard are added at the end for a special freshness. The brisket becomes incredibly tender while the vegetables absorb the rich flavor of the broth. The traditional serving includes juicy meat portions with vegetables accompanied by hot aromatic broth and tangy gherkins. This dish perfectly warms you up and offers true gastronomic pleasure.

Bright green risotto is the embodiment of freshness and spring mood, infused with Italian traditions. In this dish, delicate Arborio rice absorbs the aroma of white wine, while the creamy consistency is highlighted by butter and Parmesan. The secret of its color lies in a rich green sauce made from spinach and kale, which not only adds vibrancy but also enriches it with nutrients. Thyme adds refined herbal notes, while lemon juice provides a refreshing tang. This risotto is perfect for both a light dinner and a festive table, impressing with its taste and aesthetics. It is prepared with love and attention, and each spoon reveals layers of textures and flavor nuances, creating an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Kale and arugula pesto is a modern variation of the classic Italian sauce reimagined with healthy superfoods in mind. Kale gives it a rich green color and a slight bitterness, while arugula adds zest. A mix of nuts—pumpkin and sunflower seeds, almonds, pecans—creates a rich, layered flavor complemented by spicy garlic and fiery chili pepper. Mustard and olive oils soften the texture, while apple and wine vinegars add a subtle tanginess. This pesto is perfect as a spread on bread, a sauce for pasta, or a dressing for salads. Healthy, aromatic, and packed with flavors, it will be an indispensable addition to your table!

French-style chicken in the oven is an exquisite dish of French cuisine that combines simplicity of preparation with rich flavor. This recipe has its roots in traditional French meat roasting methods, where the marinade plays a key role in creating depth of flavor. A mixture of olive oil, soy sauce, spices, and grainy Dijon mustard gives the chicken tenderness and zest. The light spiciness of chili highlights the natural juiciness of the meat. The dish is baked on a salt bed, making its aroma rich and harmonious. The chicken is served on fresh kale leaves, adding a light freshness and subtle hint of greenery. It is an ideal choice for a festive dinner or family gathering where one wants to enjoy the harmony of flavors and elegance of true French cuisine.

The recipe was shared with us by Maxim Lyubimov, chef of Leo Wine & Kitchen, bar "Nachalo".

A very filling salad, the basis of which is avocado, full of fats, and quinoa - a source of carbohydrates. In principle, you could just pour olive oil over them, and it would already be great, but chef Boris Jovanovic from the restaurant Community supplemented their union with all sorts of interesting ingredients.

Kale chips with spices are a modern interpretation of a healthy snack that combines a crispy texture and rich spice aroma. This recipe emerged during the popularity of healthy eating when people sought alternatives to traditional potato chips. Kale, known for its health benefits, gains an appetizing crunch through baking. A mix of paprika, dried onion, and spicy chili gives the snack a rich flavor with zesty notes, while parmesan adds a subtle creamy touch to the composition. These chips are perfect for a light snack, as an accompaniment to main dishes or evening gatherings. They are not only tasty but also rich in vitamins, making them an excellent choice for those who value the balance between flavor and health.

Cauliflower puree with herbs is a delicate, airy, and aromatic dish that combines simplicity and sophistication. Cauliflower adds softness, cream provides a velvety texture, while kale and sorrel bring freshness and a slight tanginess. This dish pairs excellently as a side for meat and fish but can also serve as a light standalone dinner. The author's cuisine finds balance between health and flavor, with a pinch of chili pepper making it more expressive. The puree pairs well with fresh herbs, nuts, and seeds, allowing for presentation experimentation. The history of this dish begins in the search for an alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, offering a lighter and more nutritious option. Such a side is especially suitable for those who watch their diet but are not willing to sacrifice taste.

Vegetable salad with egg and sour cream is a light yet hearty dish filled with freshness and tenderness. The salad combines crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and nutritious eggs to create a harmonious balance of flavors. Creamy sour cream adds softness, while toasted pine nuts provide a refined nutty note. Kale leaves bring a touch of green freshness, and spices add zest. Olive oil completes the composition, making the salad rich and aromatic. This recipe is perfect for a light dinner or nutritious snack, and its simplicity and naturalness make it an excellent choice for those who value healthy and tasty food. The author's approach allows enjoying familiar ingredients in a new rendition.

Tincture of nasturtium, basil, and kale is an exquisite drink inspired by the harmony of herbs and spices. Its roots trace back to the art of herbal tinctures used for medicinal and culinary purposes across cultures. Nasturtium adds a light spiciness and floral notes, basil brings freshness with a hint of sweetness, while kale contributes an earthy, slightly bitter tone. A sharp note of chili and allspice complements the rich bouquet of flavors. This tincture is perfect as a standalone tasting drink or as a base for cocktails, adding depth and complexity to them. It can be used in gastronomy to flavor sauces and marinades, adding a unique herbal freshness. The refined combination of ingredients makes it an excellent choice for connoisseurs of unconventional flavor solutions.