Food for Mood, Healthy Living

Kale Spinach Balls Recipe

December 4, 2014
Kale Spinach Balls

Kale and spinach balls recipe

These tasty and savory bites are gobbled up at my house by my kids and husband.  I feel so good knowing that they are getting kale and spinach in every bite!  I love making these when going on playdates because this snack can take care of the vegetable portion of their dinner! 

Kale, the new superfood, has so many benefits.  It is a cruciferous vegetable, which scientists are studying for the prevention of certain cancers.  It is also rich in vitamins and nutrients. Here’s the breakdown.

Nearly 3 grams of protein and 2.5 grams of fiber

Vitamins A, C, and K

Folate, a B vitamin that’s key for brain development

Alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. (While kale has far less omega-3 than fish, it is another way to get some of this healthy fat into your diet.

Lutein and zeaxanthin, nutrients that give kale its deep, dark green coloring and protect against macular degeneration and cataracts

Minerals including phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and zinc

Spinach is also an amazing vegetable.  It is Rich in vitamins and minerals, and it is also concentrated in health-promoting phytonutrients such as carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin) and flavonoids to provide you with powerful antioxidant protection.

Enjoy these tasty balls of goodness and your body will thank you later!

 

Kale and Spinach Balls Recipe

  • 1 small yellow onion- chopped
  • 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp. salted butter
  • 6 ounce package fresh baby spinach (the equivalent to 5 oz. of frozen)
  • 2 cups packed with fresh kale, rinsed
  • 1 large scallion (green onion)
  • 1 egg
  • 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs, plus extra for coating
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • dash of cayenne pepper
  • olive oil cooking spray

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a frying pan, heat and melt butter with olive oil.  Add yellow onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.  Add spinach and kale and cook until they wilt, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Place cooked contents into a food processor along with one chopped scallion and pulse for several seconds. Transfer mixture to a medium bowl. 

Add one egg, 2/3 cup of panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.  Mix with a spoon until well combined.  Add salt and black pepper to taste and a dash of cayenne pepper.

In a small bowl or dish, pour some panko breadcrumbs. Take a teaspoon full the spinach and kale mixture into your hand.  Make a small ball with your hands (larger than a quarter, smaller than a golf ball).

Gently roll ball into panko breadcrumbs to coat evenly.

Lightly spray baking sheet with cooking spray.  Place the spinach and kale bites onto baking sheet.  Bake for 15 minutes. Serve warm.

Yields: 20 bites

Photo Credit. Jaybird. Flickr.

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