Peace Pies & Karmic Kale Salad

Do you remember Roberto Benigni’s Academy Award Speech for the 1999 movie “Life is Beautiful”? It went something like this: 

” I don’t know! I am not able to express all my gratitude, because now, my body is in tumult because it is a colossal moment of joy so everything is really in a way that I cannot express. I would like to be Jupiter! And kidnap everybody and lie down in the firmament making love to everybody, because I don’t know how to express. It’s a question of love”

This is how I feel every time I eat at Peace Pies restaurant in Encinitas 😃😃😃The food is OUT OF THIS WORLD! Everything is fresh, perfectly seasoned and beautifully plated. This is the place I take my out-of-town visitors and local friends for something a little bit different. something extra special.  Everything at Peace Pies is  100% plant-based, raw vegan, gluten-free and soy-free. They offer a  full menu of appetizers, entrees, drinks and desserts.  

Here are few of my favorites ( but really the entire menu – Yes ENTIRE menu – is AMAZING):

Raw Vegan Bruschetta 🍅 🍅 🍅 

Raw Vegan Pesto Stuffed Tomatoes 🍅

Raw Vegan Pesto Stuffed Tomatoes 🍅 🙌Photo Credit: @sunshineandkale

Raw Vegan Chips N/Guac 🥒

Raw Vegan Chips N/Guac 🥒 Photo Credi: @sunshinenandkale

Mushroom Stroganoff 🍄

Mushroom Stroganoff 🍄 Kelp noodles tossed in a creamy cashew alfredo, “sautéed” mushrooms and onion and sprinkled with fresh parsley 🙌🤩 Photo Credit: @sunshineandkale

Mystical Mushroom Quesadilla

Scrumptious Mystical Mushroom Quesadilla – Red bell pepper tortilla filled with cheez, ‘sauteed’ mushrooms & onions, tomatoes & greens. Served with guacamole. Photo Credit: @sunshineandkale

And last but not least, my ULTIMATE favorites: San Diego Caesar Salad and Peace Pies’ Karmic Kale with Tahini Garlic Dressing. 

Kale salad with gold beets, carrots, red bell peppers, hemp seeds & tahini garlic dressing. My home version. Photo Credit: @sunshineandkale

I used to enjoy their Karmic Kale twice a month at the Peace Pies’ Encinitas location but now that I have the restaurant’s new recipe book, “Fresh, Funky & Raw”, I am eating it almost everyday. Yes, it’s that good! 

Today, I am sharing Peace Pies Karmic Kale recipe, with their permission, but a big WARNING first: You might end up like Roberto Benigni, speechless, wanting to be like Jupiter! 

Karmic Kale Salad with Tahini Garlic Dressing

Kale is high in minerals ( mainly iron and magnesium) which help keep your body healthy, strong and glowing.

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch kale stemmed and very thinly sliced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper finely diced
  • 2 organic carrots peeled and shredded
  • 1 gold beet peeled and shredded
  • 1/2 cup hemp seeds

Tahini Garlic Dressing

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 1/4 cup coconut aminos
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the kale, bell pepper, carrots, beets, and hemp seeds.

  2. Combine the dressing ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth.

  3. Pour the desired amount of dressing over the salad and toss well. Store any remaining dressing in a airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week

If you are local, visit Peace Pies. For those that live far away, you can purchase their new book. Almost all the items on their menu are on this book!!  They didn’t keep any secrets from us!!

Thanks  Chef JP Alfred! I am eternally grateful!