WSVN — Tonight it's a special Bite with Belkys as the diva of delicious cooks up one of her favorite meals just for us in her very own kitchen. Steamed kale is on the menu as we grab a Bite with Belkys.
The Chef: Belkys Nerey. Yes, it's yours truly in the kitchen.
BELKYS NEREY: "Hey! Can you believe it? We're doing this! Bite with Belkys … with Belkys. Yes, I cook … sometimes."
When I'm not running around the plex doing the news, writing my blog and shooting "Bites".
The dish we're creating; Kale & Quinoa Salad. Not quite a family recipe.
BELKYS NEREY: "Honey, I'm Cuban. My family has never heard of kale or quinoa in their lives. Am I right, my Cuban people?"
I mean, croquettas are the bomb but we all need to eat healthy sometimes, am I right?
BELKYS NEREY: "This is a great recipe. Kale, quinoa, superfoods. They're so good for you. It's filling, it's tasty. I make it today, I can have it tomorrow too."
And best of all, it's easy. But first things first, we've got to pick an apron.
BELKYS NEREY: "This one hand-crocheted by my tia Matilde is the one that matches best. So what do you guys say? Let's get cooking!"
First, slice up your veggies. For this recipe, you can use your favorites or whatever you have in the fridge.
When they're all sliced up, set them aside and make the quinoa.
BELKYS NEREY: "Buy whatever quinoa you like and follow the directions on the back. You need about two cups cooked."
Spread the cooked quinoa on a plate to cool and dry out a bit then steam the kale.
BELKYS NEREY: "I have this little stainless steel steamer but maybe you have like a bamboo one or something like that at home. Whatever you have is fine."
When the water boils, add the kale to the pot. Cover and steam about a minute.
When it's done, set it aside to cool.
BELKYS NEREY: "We want to try and remove moisture from everything as much as we can."
Now for the dressing. Add olive oil, fresh lemon juice and dijon mustard. I make it the easy way in a mason jar.
OK, concert's over. Now we assemble our masterpiece. First, the kale. Then the quinoa. Add as much as you want.
BELKYS NEREY: "It's your salad. If you want equal parts kale equal parts quinoa, go for it!"
Now, add the chopped veggies. Red onion is first.
BELKYS NEREY: "If you're kissing someone later and you don't want the onion breath, leave it out. Don't worry about it."
Add red pepper, cucumber and avocado.
BELKYS NEREY: "This is super in season right now."
Don't forget the feta cheese. Add salt.
Then add some pepper and finally pour on the dressing. Blend it all in well.
It's done and yum!
BELKYS NEREY: "You can have this as a salad on the side or you can make it a meal. Add grilled chicken, fish, shrimp right on top. A protein of your choice and you're good to go."