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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.

6. 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.

7. 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.