Steamed Greens with Sesame Honey Dressing

Steaming greens is a great way to preserve their nutrients while making them more toothsome. Cashews add healthy fats and a crunchy textural contrast.

2 Tbsp (30 mL) grapeseed or other neutral-tasting oil
1 Tbsp (15 mL) low-sodium soy sauce
2 tsp (10 mL) sesame oil
2 tsp (10 mL) honey
2 tsp (10 mL) rice vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 tsp (1 mL) red chili flakes
1/3 cup (80 mL) unsalted cashews

4 cups (1 L) chopped greens, such as kale, Swiss chard, and/or baby bok choy

2 cups (500 mL) sliced broccoli florets

In small bowl, create dressing by whisking together oil, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and chili flakes.

In dry skillet, toast cashews until golden, about 3 minutes, stirring often.

Prepare ice bath by filling large bowl with ice and water. Set aside. Place greens and broccoli in steamer tray and steam, covered, over 1 in (2.5 cm) of rapidly boiling water until they are bright green, about 4 minutes. Plunge greens immediately in ice bath and then transfer to colander to drain. Press vegetables gently with paper towel to remove as much water as possible.

Toss greens with dressing in large bowl and top with cashews.

Serves 4.

Each serving contains: 243 calories; 7 g protein; 18 g total fat (2 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 19 g total carbohydrates (5 g sugars, 3 g fibre); 190 mg sodium

source: "Full Steam Ahead", alive #363, January 2013