Blood orange and kumquat add bright, bracing notes of citrus to an otherwise earthy kale and farro salad. Jump to recipe.
I had a startling experience at Alt Summit when I joined the Go Mighty Life List workshop on the last day. I went in wanting to support my friends but feeling like a total pro; after all, I’d already spent a weekend last fall contemplating my happiness and goals. But, as I stared at the blank screen on my tablet and prepared to write a list of things I wanted to accomplish, things that would make me happy, I realized how far away I’d gotten from many of the things that were important to me, and how much time I’m giving to things that don’t matter to me.
It was a sudden and intense realization that left me feeling overwhelmed and a little misty. And actually, it was the second time in a month that I’ve had this powerful feeling. Both times, I was trying to tell myself something.
While my wonderful husband and darling, sweet children make me incredibly happy and I’m lucky to have a cozy home, good food, and warm clothes, something is missing. When I came home from the conference, Brian and I talked about it and both felt the same way. So we’ve made a pretty big decision to set our lives on a new course. We’re still in the planning phase, so I’m not quite ready to make any announcements, but the bottom line is, this year will have big changes.
Life is busy, and it can be hard to reflect, but it’s essential and I’m going to make time for it. I’m also going to make more time for the things I love; among them, making myself a nice lunch in the middle of a weekday. And that’s where this lovely salad comes in. Consider it the first step on my journey towards real and lasting happiness.
Blood oranges and kumquats add bright, bracing notes of citrus to an otherwise earthy salad. Under the blanket of acid and salt, the somewhat tough leaves of wintertime kale become supple and delicious. The farro lends bite and texture, and melds wonderfully with the slightly sweet sauteed shallots.
I had a packet of Trader Joe’s quick-cooking farro on hand. I combined 1 cup of farro, 2 cups water, and a good 1/2 teaspoon or so of sea salt in a medium sauce pan, brought everything to a boil, and then covered and simmered for 12 minutes. The resulting farro was just as nutty and toothsome as the slower-cooking sort, and definitely gets my stamp of approval.
- 1/2 cup whole kumquats
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- drizzle of water
- generous pinch of sea salt
- 3 cups mixed kale , cut into thin ribbons
- sea salt
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 large shallots , peeled and sliced into thin rounds
- 1 cup farro , cooked
- 3 blood oranges , supremed
- 1/4 cup sliced kumquats , seeded
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To make dressing, combine dressing ingredients in a blender, pureeing until smooth. Add water and salt as needed.
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Place kale ribbons on a large serving bowl. Drizzle with half the dressing, add a pinch of sea salt, turn leaves to coat, and set aside.
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In a small frying pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add shallot slices and a pinch sea salt. Sauté, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes or until shallots are browned on the edges and translucent.
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Gently toss remaining ingredients with kale, adding a few more slugs of dressing and adjusting salt levels as needed. Set aside for a few minutes while flavors commingle, and serve.
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I can’t wait to hear all about what’s in store for you in 2013. I know it’s something great.
Thanks Amber. I’m a little scared to take the leap, but am really lucky to have such an awesome support system.
I like this. So disappointed I couldn’t be there with you (boo, stupid bad health), but I can’t wait to hear what new direction things are taking. I’m glad we got a chance to chat over lunch before my 48-hour nap. You’re one of the things that makes me happy.
Hi Maggie, I was SO sorry to hear how sick you were, and thankful that we got at least a bit of time during lunch. And, you make me happy too. Thanks for your kind words.
Looking forward to hearing about your plans!
I love salads like this–a little bit grain, a little bit veggie, a little bit fruit, a lot delicious.
Hi Natasha, Grain salads are the best right? Thanks for the nice comment, I’m so glad you like it!
Love this salad. And love the idea of setting aside the time to make something nice for one’s self, mid-day! Looking forward to hearing about your plans. I’m sure they will be wonderful.
Thank you Jennifer. It’s such a funny thing to get happiness from making a salad, but I guess we all need to take better care of ourselves, one tasty salad at a time.
There is something so restorative and zen about sitting down to a nice meal in the middle of the day. Why don’t we let ourselves enjoy that pleasure more often? Something healthy and refreshing for body and soul. Here’s wishing you peace and happiness in the new year!
Hi Sarah, Thanks for your thoughtful words. You are so right, we *all* need to be better to ourselves.
It was so good to see you at Alt. Even though we’ve just met I feel like you’re an old friend. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to support some radical change in 2013. XO
Thanks Kathleen. I feel the exact same way about you.
My list: also blank. Did we not meet at Alt? Big changes for us as well. Hopefully we will meet in person soon!
Susan! So glad Brian and I met you last night! Can’t wait to get together and hear all about the changes ahead for you.
I have never had a kumquat before — but your photo and recipe looked so appetizing, so I marked it. I just made this, and oh wow! The tart kick of the kumquats, the sweetness of the shallots, the heartiness of the kale, I’m in heaven.
I’m going to spread the word about your amazing recipe. Thanks for introducing me to kumquats and for sharing your culinary genius with the internets!!!!
Hi Zenzi, Did you just call me a culinary genius? I love you. And glad you enjoyed the kumquats–I cannot get enough bitter citrus this time of year.
I’m always blown away when I come here with how creative, gorgeous and delicious everything is! As I’ve always said, you are so, SO talented and I am certain that amazing things will come out of whatever in this world you put your heart and mind to.
Aww Caroline, Your support means the world to me. With such a fantastic group cheering us on, I have my fingers crossed that great things are ahead.
Can’t wait to try this!
Just pinned this and I absolutely stoked to try it! Thanks for the share.