Apple salad with Tuscan cabbage and caramelized cashews

8 servings

40 minutes

This salad is a true harmony of flavors and textures. It combines crispy Tuscan kale, sweet-and-sour apple, and crunchy cashews in a caramel coating. Italian cuisine is known for its simple yet elegant combinations, and this recipe is a bright example of that. Historically, Tuscan kale, known as 'lacinato' or 'dinosaur kale,' was used in traditional Tuscan dishes for its rich flavor. The apple cider dressing adds a light tanginess to the salad, balancing the sweetness of the caramel. Sesame seeds add a subtle nutty note, while massaging the kale leaves makes them soft and pliable. This salad is perfect as a standalone dish for a light dinner or as an original side to meat or fish, adding freshness and sophistication to your table.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 303.9
• Proteins: 9g
• Fats: 19.5g
• Carbohydrates: 23.4g

Ingredients

• Cashew: 1 glass
• Black sesame seeds: 1 tbsp
• Maple syrup: 2 tbsp
• Cider: 0.3 glass
• Sugar: 0.3 glass
• Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp
• Tuscan kale: 500 g
• Salt: to taste
• Ground black pepper: to taste
• Apple: 1 pc

Cooking steps

1. In a small pan over medium heat, sauté the cashews, stirring, for about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate and place the pan on the heat.

   Required ingredients:

   • Cashew: 1 glass

2. Add sesame seeds and roast until a pleasant aroma appears, about 45 seconds. Transfer the sesame seeds to another dish and place the pan on the heat. Pour in the maple syrup and reduce until thickened, about 1 minute. Add the cashews and mix with the syrup.

   Required ingredients:

   • Black sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon
   • Maple syrup: 2 tablespoons
   • Cashew: 1 glass

3. Spread the cashews on a foil sheet, sprinkle with sesame, and let cool completely.

   Required ingredients:

   • Cashew: 1 glass
   • Black sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon

4. Mix vinegar with apple cider, sugar, and butter in a small bowl; stir until the sugar dissolves.

   Required ingredients:

   • Cider: 0.3 glass
   • Sugar: 0.3 glass
   • Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons

5. Pour 1/2 cup of prepared dressing into a large bowl, add kale, and season with salt and pepper.

   Required ingredients:

   • Tuscan kale: 500 g
   • Salt:  to taste
   • Ground black pepper:  to taste

6. Remember to mix the kale with the dressing by hand, let it sit for at least 15 minutes to soften. Mix the kale with the dressing again and transfer to a serving dish.

   Required ingredients:

   • Tuscan kale: 500 g

7. Mix apple slices with the leftover dressing in a bowl and place the apple on top of the kale. Chop the cashews and sprinkle them over the salad before serving.

   Required ingredients:

   • Apple: 1 piece
   • Cashew: 1 glass