Recipe Spotlight: Delicious and Nutritious Kale Pesto Pasta
Kale pesto pasta is a vibrant and flavourful dish that combines the goodness of nutrient-packed kale with the comforting taste of pasta. This recipe is a fantastic way to sneak in some extra greens into your diet while enjoying a satisfying and delicious meal. With the rich and aromatic flavours of freshly made kale pesto, this dish is sure to become a household favourite. Let's get cooking and whip up a batch of this tasty kale pesto pasta.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried kale leaves
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 oz pasta of your choice (such as spaghetti or penne)
- Optional toppings: cherry tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped basil
Instructions:
- Start by blanching the kale leaves in a pot of boiling water for about 2-3 minutes until they are wilted but still vibrant green. Remove the kale from the water and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain the kale and set aside.
- In a dry skillet, toast the pine nuts over medium heat until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Remove from the heat and let them cool slightly.
- In a food processor, combine the blanched kale, toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse the mixture a few times to combine.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the kale pesto reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the kale pesto, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
- Serve the kale pesto pasta hot, garnished with cherry tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped basil for a fresh and colourful finish.
This Kale Pesto Pasta recipe is a delightful way to incorporate the goodness of kale into a comforting and satisfying pasta dish. The homemade kale pesto adds a burst of flavour and vibrant colour to the pasta, making it a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. Whether enjoyed as a quick weeknight meal or served at a gathering with loved ones, this kale pesto pasta is sure to impress. Give this recipe a try and savour the wholesome goodness of kale in a delicious and nutritious way.