pasta with tomatoes and kale

 http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/01/health/nutrition/orecchiette-with-tomato-sauce-and-kale-recipes-for-health.html?ref=recipesforhealth

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

1 (14-ounce) can tomatoes with juice, pulsed a few times in a food processor or mini processor

Pinch of sugar

Salt to taste

A few sprigs of fresh basil, if available

1/2 pound curly green kale or black kale, stemmed and washed thoroughly

12 ounces orecchiette

1 ounce (1/4 cup) freshly grated Parmesan, pecorino Romano or a combination (more to taste) 

1. Heat the oil over medium heat in a wide skillet or saucepan and add the garlic and red pepper flakes. As soon as the garlic begins to smell fragrant (30 seconds to 1 minute), add the tomatoes, sugar, salt and basil sprigs and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring often, until the mixture is thick and fragrant, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat, taste and adjust seasoning.

2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt generously and add the kale. Blanch for 2 to 4 minutes, until tender but still bright green. Using a skimmer, transfer to a bowl of cold water. Do not drain the pot of water. Drain the kale and squeeze out excess water. Chop medium-fine and stir into the tomato sauce.

3. Bring the pot of water back to a boil and add the pasta. Cook al dente, 10 to 11 minutes, or according to the cooking directions on the package. Drain and toss with the tomato and kale mixture right in the pan. Add the Parmesan, toss again and serve. 

Yield: 4 servings.

Advance preparation: The tomato sauce and the blanched kale will keep for 3 or 4 days in the refrigerator and can be frozen. Don’t combine until ready to serve.

Nutritional information per serving:  426 calories; 2 grams saturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 3 grams monounsaturated fat; 6 milligrams cholesterol; 75 grams carbohydrates; 5 grams dietary fiber; 297 milligrams sodium (does not include salt to taste); 16 grams protein

 

Martha Rose Shulman is the author of “The Very Best of Recipes for Health.”