Orecchiette With Tomato Sauce and Kale
- 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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
extra virgin olive oil, garlic, red pepper, tomatoes, sugar, salt, fresh basil, green kale, orecchiette, combination
Taken from cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/12279 (may not work)