Lunch: Kale Sandwiches with Avocado

Recipe by /contributors/mark-bittman The taste of kale is tempered by old favorites like cheese and avocado." —Bittman

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Kale

Health benefits of Kale Sandwiches with Avocado

Kale is an excellent source of calcium, which has an important role in egg maturation and follicle development in the ovaries.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoons dried thyme or tarragon
1 pound kale, stems and center ribs discarded
1 cup canned fava, garbanzo or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 garlic clove
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
8 slices whole-grain bread
1 ripe avocado, sliced

Instructions

In a small jar, combine 2 tablespoons oil, vinegar, mustard, thyme and 1/4 cup water; season with salt and pepper. Cover and shake until well combined.
Stack kale leaves and roll into a cigar shape. Slice into thin strips; turn 90 degrees and slice again crosswise until you have what looks like kale confetti. Toss in a bowl with vinaigrette.
In a food processor, blend beans, garlic and salt to taste for less than a minute. Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil slowly through the feed tube, blending, until mixture is smooth. Stir in Parmesan.
Spread 1 slice whole-grain bread with 1/4 bean spread; top with 1/4 kale, 1/4 avocado and another bread slice. Repeat with remaining bread, spread, kale and avocado.