Looking for a way to sneak some extra greens into your diet without sacrificing flavor? Kale pasta sauce is your answer! It’s a comforting, delicious, and surprisingly versatile dish that’s been gaining popularity as more people embrace vegetable-forward recipes.
This article is your comprehensive guide to making the best kale pasta sauce. We’ll draw inspiration from various recipes and techniques, including the famous kale sauce from Joshua McFadden’s “Six Seasons” cookbook.
Get ready to discover the health benefits, incredible flavor, and amazing adaptability of homemade pasta sauce with kale. It’s a game-changer!
Understanding the appeal of kale pasta sauce
Why kale pasta sauce? It’s more than just a trendy way to dress up your pasta. It’s a way to add a powerhouse of nutrition to a comfort-food classic.
Health benefits of kale
Kale is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a super addition to any diet. Adding kale to your meals is a great way to boost your overall health and well-being.
Flavor profile and versatility
Kale pasta sauce can be earthy and savory, and sometimes even creamy, depending on the recipe. What’s more, it works well with all kinds of pasta and can be tailored to different diets.
Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, kale pasta sauce can be a delicious and nutritious option.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Kale Pasta Sauce
Ready to make some magic in the kitchen? Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make a standout kale pasta sauce:
Kale Selection and Preparation
You can use different types of kale for pasta sauce, but some work better than others. Lacinato kale, also known as dino kale or Tuscan kale, tends to make a smoother sauce. That said, curly kale is a viable option, too. No matter which type you choose, you’ll want to remove the stems and large veins. When measuring, pack the kale leaves in tightly.
Flavor Enhancers
Good flavor enhancers can take your sauce to the next level. Here are a few to consider:
- Garlic: Don’t skimp on the garlic! It adds depth and aroma.
- Olive Oil: Use extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Nutritional Yeast: For a cheesy, umami flavor (especially in vegan versions), nutritional yeast is a game-changer. It also adds plant-based protein and vitamin B12.
- Other Options: Lemon juice can add brightness, red pepper flakes can add heat, and anchovies can add umami.
Pasta Considerations
Different types of pasta pair well with kale sauce. Rigatoni or other tubular pasta shapes are a good choice, but really, any pasta shape can work. If you’re looking for a protein-rich and gluten-free option, try lentil pasta.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Kale Pasta Sauce
Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to make a delicious and nutritious kale pasta sauce:
Blanching the Kale
First, we’re going to blanch the kale. Blanching means briefly cooking the kale in boiling water, then immediately plunging it into ice water. This does a couple of things: It softens the kale and, more importantly, it mellows out any bitterness. Trust me, you don’t want bitter kale sauce!
Here’s how: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the chopped kale and cook for just a minute or two, until it turns bright green. Immediately scoop it out with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a bowl of ice water. Once it’s cooled, drain it well, squeezing out any excess water. This is important for the right sauce consistency.
Creating the Sauce Base
Now for the good stuff! Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add some minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, until fragrant. Be super careful not to burn the garlic; burnt garlic will ruin the flavor of the whole sauce.
Next, add the blanched kale to the skillet and sauté for another minute or two, just to let the flavors meld.
Blending for Smoothness
To get that smooth, creamy texture, you’ll need to blend the sauce. If you’re using a regular blender, be very careful when blending hot liquids. Remove the center piece of the blender lid, cover the top with a folded kitchen towel, and hold the lid down firmly while blending. Alternatively, you can let the sauce cool slightly before blending.
An immersion blender is another great option. Just stick it right into the skillet and blend away!
Adjusting the Consistency
Pasta water is the secret ingredient for perfect pasta sauce consistency. As the pasta cooks, reserve about a cup of the starchy water before draining. Add a little bit of pasta water to the sauce at a time, stirring until you reach your desired thickness.
If the sauce is too dry, add more pasta water. If it’s too loose, simmer it over low heat for a few minutes to let some of the liquid evaporate.
Recipe Variations and Flavor Enhancements
Once you’ve made the basic kale pasta sauce a few times, you might want to branch out and experiment with some variations.
Spice it up
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the sauce a little heat.
Add depth
For a savory umami flavor, try blending an anchovy or two into the sauce.
Toppings and garnishes
Toasted nuts add texture and flavor. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese is always welcome (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option).
Tomato-based variation
Add a tomato base for a classic flavor. Fresh or canned crushed tomatoes work well, along with herbs like oregano and basil.
Serving Suggestions and Complementary Dishes
This sauce is delicious on pasta, of course, but it also complements a variety of dishes!
Pairing with Protein
Consider serving your pasta with a simply grilled chicken breast, a few shrimp, or a flaky white fish. For a super-easy weeknight meal, try tossing it with pasta and some high-quality tinned fish.
Vegetable Sides
Roasted vegetables are always a welcome addition to any pasta dish. Some of my favorites with this sauce are roasted beets with herby yogurt, roasted butternut squash, or even a simple lentil dish.
Leftover Sauce Ideas
Don’t let any of that vibrant green goodness go to waste! Drizzle leftover sauce over roasted vegetables for an extra layer of flavor, or mix it with yogurt for a surprisingly delicious and healthy dip.
Conclusion
Kale pasta sauce is a tasty, nutritious, and versatile way to get more greens in your diet. The bitterness of the kale mellows as it cooks, and it blends beautifully into a savory sauce that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients to find the combinations you like best. Add a squeeze of lemon, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dollop of ricotta cheese to customize your sauce.
This recipe is so quick and easy, it’s perfect for a weeknight meal. So go ahead and give it a try – you might just discover your new favorite pasta sauce!