Macaroni With Kale and White Beans

SAHMchef's Note:

This delicious vegetarian meal is packed with nutrients. If you've never tried kale, this is a good recipe to try! Kale tastes similar to spinach but retains its leafy texture. From Jeanne Lemlin's "Main Course Vegetarian Pleasures."

• Total Time: 30 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 1/2 lbs kale
• 1/3 cup vegetable broth or 1/3 cup chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 minced garlic cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 (16 ounce) can cannellini or 1 (16 ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 lb macaroni
• 1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Cook macaroni according to directions, making sure to not overcook.
2. Rip kale off its stem into bite-sized pieces. (Be sure not to use the stem, as it is quite bitter. I've tried cutting it, but it works better to rip it).
3. Rinse kale in a large bowl of cold water and drain.
4. Heat oil in a large skillet or stockpot (you will need a lid later).
5. Add garlic and red pepper, cooking over med-high heat for about 2 minutes.
6. Stir in kale and broth and cover pan, stirring occasionally, until kale is wilted but bright green and tender, about 7 minutes.
7. Gently stir in salt, followed by beans, macaroni, and Parmesan. (Do not use canned parmesan, as it really will not taste right. Use the "real" grated parmesan!).

Reviews

[Chef #574445]

I love this stuff. I have eaten the leftovers from this for my last 3 meals, and I'm still not tired of eating it. I used vegetable broth and pene pasta, and I also added an additional 1/3 cup liquid at the end to keep it from being too dry. I used the cooking water from the pasta as this liquid. Aside from that, I followed the recipe exactly and I think it has the perfect amount of seasonings.

[Ilysse]

Most of us liked this. I used rotini and made 2lbs of pasta and 2 lbs of kale, which was perfect. I added a large onion, sliced in rings, that I cooked in the oil b4 adding anything else. I used veg and I'll leave out the red pepper flakes next time. All in all a great meal. The hardest part is washing and chopping all the kale. Thanks for posting.

[EmilyStrikesAgain]

I love this recipe. I've made it twice in the past 2 weeks. First time I misread and used 3 cups veg. broth. Result was too much liquid (used a slotted spoon to serve) but tons of flavor. Second time I used the correct amount and it wasn't as flavorful. My suggestion? 1 cup veg broth. Simple, fresh and delicious weeknight dinner!