Pasta with Kale, Lemon and Parmesan

Yield – 4 servings

Preparation Time – 20 minutes

Cooking Time – 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 10-12 kale leaves (free from the garden)
• 1 lb. small pasta noodles, fusili or small shells ($.50)
• 2 lemons, juiced and zested ($.50)
• 3 Tbsp olive oil ($.15)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese ($.50)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh fruit ($.50-$.75)
• Grilled, sliced chicken ^[5] ($2)

Directions

• In a medium saucepan, bring 6 cups of water to boil.  Add 1 Tbsp salt and then add the kale leaves.  Boil 2-3 minutes, or until the kale is soft and bright green. Drain in colander and rinse with cool water. Let sit for a few minutes before chopping.  Then chop into bite size pieces.
• In a different saucepan (or the same one), boil the pasta noodles.  Once cooked, drain and rinse with cool water if you are planning to serve this as a cold dish.
• Toss the cooked pasta with the chopped kale leaves.  Then squeeze in the juice of 2 lemons, plus 1 tsp lemon zest. Add in the olive oil and some salt and pepper.  Toss well.
• Add the Parmesan cheese and toss again.
• Serve as is…or with fresh fruit…or with sliced grilled chicken on top. Or mixed in. (whatever works for you, works for me!)
• Serve chilled or warm.

Cost $4.40, at most