Gemelli Pasta with Dino Kale Pesto
Serves 4
Dino kale (also variously known as dinosaur kale, Tuscan kale, lacinato kale, or cavolo nero) is distinctively dark green in color and deeply wrinkled in texture. It's sweeter and more tender than regular curly kale, and it makes a lovely pasta sauce.
Here we've used gemelli (short pasta twists), but shells or orecchiette will also work. Choose a pasta shape that will hold some of the sauce in its nooks and crannies.
6 cups (about 10 ounces) firmly packed sliced dino kale,
stems removed
2 tablespoons salt, divided
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves minced garlic
Grated zest of 1 lemon
3 cups gemelli or shell pasta
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat and add half the salt. Add the kale and cook for 4 minutes. Drain and press firmly to extract the water.
Place the kale in food processor with the oil, garlic, and lemon zest, and purée until smooth.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of salt and the pasta. Cook according to package directions, or until al dente (tender-firm). Drain well and return to the pot. Add the kale pesto and stir to coat the pasta. Add half of the parmesan and stir to combine.
Divide the pasta among 4 warm bowls and sprinkle each serving with some of the remaining cheese. Serve hot.
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