Kale & Breadcrumb Pasta

Instructions

1. Prepare Cooking Water and Kale

   4 min hands-on

   • Fill a large pot with water, season generously with salt, and bring to a boil over high heat.
   • Rinse the kale thoroughly and strip the leaves from the stems. Peel the garlic cloves.

2. Blanch Kale and Garlic

   1 min hands-on5 min waiting

   • Add kale leaves and peeled garlic to boiling water. Cook for 5 minutes until kale is tender.
   • Remove kale and garlic with a slotted spoon or tongs and transfer to a blender. Reserve cooking water.

3. Blend Kale Mixture

   2 min hands-on

   • Pulse kale and garlic in the blender until slightly chunky. Avoid over-blending. Set aside.

4. Cook the Pasta

   2 min hands-on8 min waiting

   • Add whole-grain pasta to reserved cooking water. Cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.

5. Prepare Spicy Oil

   2 min hands-on

   • Heat a large frying pan over medium-low heat and add olive oil.
   • Finely chop red pepper and add to the pan. Sizzle for 1 minute, then turn off heat.

6. Toast Herbed Breadcrumbs

   3 min hands-on

   • In a small frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add seasoned breadcrumbs.
   • Stir frequently until breadcrumbs are golden and crisp. Sprinkle with oregano and toss.

7. Combine Pasta and Kale Sauce

   3 min hands-on

   • Drain pasta, reserving about one cup of cooking water.
   • Add pasta to the frying pan with chili oil. Stir in blended kale mixture, adding pasta water for a silky sauce.

8. Serve and Garnish

   1 min hands-on

   • Divide pasta among serving plates or bowls.
   • Sprinkle toasted herbed breadcrumbs over the top.
   • Cooking tips:
   • Use freshly boiled water to blanch the kale for a brighter green color.
   • Adjust chili amount to your heat preference. Consider smoked paprika or chili flakes for a smoky flavor.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. A pinch more salt or a drizzle of olive oil can enhance flavors.
   • For added umami, consider topping with grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast.