Spaghetti with Beet Greens
- Kosher salt
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 1/4 pounds beet greens, stems removed and reserved
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh ricotta or ricotta salata cheese, or Parmesan shavings
- 1.
- Bring a large pot of cold water to a boil over high heat and salt it generously.
- Add the spaghetti and boil, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 9 minutes.
- Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
- 2.
- Meanwhile, cut the beet green stems into 2-inch pieces.
- Cut the larger leaves into wide ribbons; leave the smaller ones whole.
- Swish the stems and then the leaves in a big bowl of cold water to clean (in batches if necessary); lift them from the bowl with your fingers, shake them off and blot with a paper towel-they don't have to be really dry.
- 3.
- Put the olive oil and garlic in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
- Cook the garlic until golden, stirring occasionally, 4 to 5 minutes.
- Remove the garlic with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel.
- Increase the heat to medium; add the stems and season with salt.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until you can insert the tip of a knife into the stems without resistance, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, 30 seconds.
- 4.
- Turn the heat to medium-high, add the beet greens and cook, tossing occasionally, until the greens are coated with oil and just starting to wilt.
- Season with salt and cook until the leaves are wilted and tender, about 3 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low.
- 5.
- Pour the pasta on top of the greens and salt lightly.
- Toss with tongs and add the reserved pasta water.
- Divide among 4 pasta bowls and top with reserved garlic slices and desired cheese.
kosher salt, spaghetti, beet greens, olive oil, garlic, red pepper, fresh ricotta
Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/spaghetti-with-beet-greens-recipe.html (may not work)