Kale and Walnut Pesto Pasta

Hubs and I wanted something easy. Relaxing to prepare and to enjoy. And it had to have kale. Lots of it.

I sure do love kale.

In my classes the topic often turns to chewing. Little check-ins to see how everyone is doing. If they’re still paying attention, and to see how much they progress from week to week. It’s a hard thing- re-learning to actually chew.

The general consensus seems to be that, until they start to think about chewing, it is really quite rare for people to chew each bite any more than 10 – 15 times. We’ve noted that food which is more refined is often much harder to chew for any count over 20. It breaks down quickly… actual fast “food”. Kale, on the other hand, gets a lot of discussion for just how much you need to chew it before it finally starts to break down in your mouth. I kid you not- I’ve chewed a mouthful of kale, easily, 100 times. Yes- for real. It simply takes a long time before it starts to turn to a liquid.

I think this is one of this things that makes eating kale hard for people. Especially when just starting their foray into whole foods.

Kale is hard to chew.

But not when you whiz it up into a rich, zesty batch of pesto.

The difficulty then becomes not devouring the entire bowl of pasta in 30 seconds flat.

It’s a good, approachable way to introduce someone to the flavour of kale, but without the challenge of making them chew it. Baby steps. Delicious, pesto covered, baby steps.

The recipe makes a lot of pesto. You’ll be glad. In fact, it might not make enough… Keep it in the fridge for a few days and serve it over pasta, rice, tofu, chickpeas, fava beans, as a sauce for a vegan pizza….

*Note* Often times kale recipes call to remove the stem and discard. The stem is a valuable source of nutrients and calcium! Finely dice it then blanch and use as a garnish for the pasta!

 

Mandy - June 21, 2012 - 7:20 pm

Is it wrong that I want to eat this everyday?? I found a really wonderful brown rice pasta to slather this on and I am seriously addicted!

Debra - June 23, 2012 - 8:03 am

Shauna, can I just say WOW! I recently started incorporating “eat right for your [blood] type” into my Macro practice… because I still have some underlying health concerns. And this recipe is absolutely perfect for me, Ms. B+! I love your site – it is so beautiful and serene. And your recipes are outstanding. THANK YOU!!!
Debra
Virginia, USA

Shauna - June 25, 2012 - 4:12 pm

Mandy- haha!! I totally understand!!
Debra- Thanks so much!!! I’m happy you like the site and the recipes and I’m especially pleased that this recipe works well for you!! Enjoy!!

Karm - August 9, 2012 - 8:51 pm

This is EXACTLY what I needed today . . . it’s hot out, but I felt like something substantial! So fresh and fantastic. You’re a genius!

Shauna - August 26, 2012 - 7:29 pm

Karmen! I’m blushing! So happy you enjoyed it!!

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