Orangette's Spaghetti w/ Kale

molly kale4

I was reading Molly Wizenberg's article in Bon Appetit on kale and how she has grown to love it, after years of despising it.

Molly (Orangette blog) has such a great style of writing, she even makes a dopey thing like kale sound inviting.

I too, have never really liked kale, but I think because I just didn't understand it.
I really wanted to like this leafy, wintery, healthy, bitter green, so I would give it another try.



I have never met a vegetable I didn't like (fruit is another story).

This recipe was so simple, it was stupid easy.
I LOVED this. I wish I could say that my husband did, but maybe next time, like me, he will learn to love kale.

I could not find Lacinato kale (also known as Tuscan Kale), so I just used the generic curly kale found at my market. It worked out fine. You can't overcook kale.
I cooked it for 20 minutes and it was never mushy.

Spaghetti with Braised Kale
recipe by Molly Wizenberg from Bon Appetit

1 lb lacinato kale, stems and center ribs removed, cut into 1/2 inch slices
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 medium onion, finely chopped
8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1/2 lb spaghetti or linguini
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Rinse kale. Drain; transfer to bowl with some water still clinging.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally, about 6 minutes. Add sliced garlic and sprinkle with salt; cook until onion is golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Add kale and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and toss until wilted, about 3 minutes. Cover pot and reduce heat to medium-low. Continue cooking until kale is very tender, stirring occasionally and adding water by teaspoonfuls if dry, about 20 minutes (the kale will cook down to next to nothing!).



Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in medium pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup cooking liquid. Add cooked spaghetti to kale mixture in pot. Add lemon juice and 2 tablespoons reserved cooking liquid; toss to combine, adding more liquid by tablespoonfuls if dry. Sprinkle spaghetti with grated Parmesan cheese and serve.










Comments

The JR said…
Hey Stacey,

I didn't try kale until 2 years ago. I liked it and we ended up planting a ton of it in the garden.

Your recipe is almost the way I cooked it. Glad you've crossed over to liking it!
Michele said…
This looks fantastic! I LOVED the article in Bon Appetit as well. Funny you posted this because I put this on my list of things to make soon. I did see that type of Kale at Kings. I'm sure the day I go to buy it they won't have it. lol
kat said…
I have grown to love kale over the last couple of years, we throw it in all kinds of winter soups & stews now & it is so good for you! That spaghetti looks great!
Maria said…
Love how simple this dish is.
We both have kale on the mind. I was thinking about making it with polenta, I saw Lidia make some the other night on tv, it,s so good for you!
Bob said…
Sounds great, I love how easy it is. I've never had kale, I'll have to try it.
Estrella Damm said…
I've never had kale at all. I know it's loaded with nutrients like broccoli. I think I'm going to have to make this one.
Sook said…
I don't think I've ever used kale in food other than decorating and garnishing. I will have to try this recipe. Thanks!
lisa is cooking said…
I love kale with lots of garlic. Looks delicious!
I would love to try that. I 'm always looking for new pasta flavors. It looks delicious!!

Nisrine
Jen_from_NJ said…
We used to garnish every plate with kale and a spiced apple ring (awful!) at the restaurant that I worked at when I was young. Boy did I hate kale. Now I love it!
noble pig said…
I am the same with veggies, I love them all! Beautiful dish.
Cate O'Malley said…
Looks like a fantastic weeknight meal - love kale!
Kale is truly an under-rated veggie.

I just came from Stephane's lamb shank post and I have to tell you, as much as I like my lamb shanks in cranberry, you'd probably be better off making his shanks, they're just on a different level.
Dewi said…
Perfect, healthy and good looking pasta.
Dana said…
The nice thing about lacinato kale is that is a little more mellow - not as fibrous and not as curly. It cooks a little faster and I like the flavor better, but it can be hard to find. Looks delicious as usual!
Curious Lissa said…
This looks deliciously healthy. I love kale. It's so good even served simply with a little butter, salt and pepper.
Elizabeth said…
First time eating kale and this recipe was AMAZING!! Thank you. :-)