FARFALLE WITH CABBAGE AND BLACK KALE

Farfalle With Cabbage and Black Kale image

Cavolo nero, or black kale, is my favorite of all the kales. For this dish I cut the blanched kale and cabbage into thin ribbons and cook them in a little olive oil with garlic, shallot and chili flakes.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories dinner, weekday, pastas, main course

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 bunch black kale cavolo nero, stemmed and washed
1/4 medium head of cabbage about 1/2 pound, kept intact on the core
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 small shallot, minced
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
Salt to taste
3/4 pound farfalle
1 to 2 ounces Parmesan, grated 1/4 to 1/2 cup

Steps:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil; you'll use it first to blanch the kale and cabbage and then to cook the pasta. Fill a large bowl with ice water. When the water comes to a boil, salt generously and add the kale. Blanch 3 minutes and, using a skimmer or a slotted spoon, transfer kale to the bowl of ice water, then drain and squeeze out excess water. Place on a cutting board and cut into thin ribbons. Add the wedge of cabbage to the pot and blanch for 3 minutes. Transfer to the ice water, then drain and squeeze out excess water. Cut away the core and cut crosswise into thin ribbons. Cover the pot and keep the water at a simmer for cooking the pasta.
Heat the oil over medium heat in a large, wide skillet and add the shallot. Cook, stirring until tender, about 3 minutes, and add the garlic and chili flakes. Cook, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant, 30 seconds to a minute, and add the kale and cabbage to the pan. Stir together for a couple of minutes, then add 1/2 cup of the blanching water to the pan. Cook uncovered, stirring often, for 5 minutes, then add another 1/2 cup of the blanching water to the pan and cook for another 5 minutes. Cover the pan and turn the heat to medium-low. Simmer for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Meanwhile, bring the remaining water in the pasta pot back to a boil and add the farfalle. Cook al dente, about 10 minutes. If desired, add another 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the pasta water to the kale and cabbage, then drain the pasta and add to the pan. Toss together and transfer to a platter, a wide pasta bowl or plates. Top with the Parmesan, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 467, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 74 grams, Fat 11 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 18 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 517 milligrams, Sugar 6 grams