A nice change of pace from traditional pesto.
Farfalle with Cavolo Nero Pesto
When most people think of pesto, the traditional Genoese version, made with basil and pine nuts, comes to mind. In this rendition, sweet and nutty cavolo nero replaces both of those ingredients. This recipe is based on one in The River Cafe Cook Book by Rose Gray and Ruth Rogers (Ebury Press, 1995).
2 1⁄2 lbs.cavolo nero, trimmed
4 cloves garlic
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp. sea salt
1 lb. dried farfalle
1 1⁄2 cups grated parmigiano-reggiano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 cloves garlic
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp. sea salt
1 lb. dried farfalle
1 1⁄2 cups grated parmigiano-reggiano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add cavolo nero and 2 cloves garlic; cook until bright green, 3–4 minutes. Drain; transfer cavolo nero and garlic to a food processor; pulse to a purée. Pour in 1⁄4 cup of the oil while pulsing to form a pesto; transfer to a bowl.
2. Crush remaining 2 garlic cloves with sea salt; stir into pesto with 1⁄4 cup of the oil.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; add farfalle; cook until al dente, 10 minutes. Drain; add pasta to bowl of pesto. Fold in parmigiano-reggiano, remaining 1⁄2 cup of oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
SERVES 4
