Lollipops Kale Pesto

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From Chef Daniel Roberts of Cafe del Rey, in Marina del Rey, CA

2 servings

1 cup kale sprouts (Lollipops)
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
3 tablespoons minced garlic
1/2 cup olive oil
Water
Salt, to taste

1. Blanch basil and kale in boiling salted water. Shock in ice bath and squeeze out water.

2. In a blender, add kale, basil and garlic; then slowly stream in oil. Stream in a little bit of water to help emulsify, making sure not to add too much. Season with salt to taste. The pesto can keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.

To Assemble:

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 cup baby heirloom tomatoes
2 tablespoons small diced shallots
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup lollipop kale (or baby Tuscan kale if lollipop kale can’t be located)
2 cups cooked farfalle, cooked (farfalle is suggested, but any type of pasta can be used)
2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
½ cup Lollipop Kale Pesto Sauce (recipe above)
4 tablespoons ricotta cheese
1-2 tablespoons ground Grana or Parmeggiano Reggiano

1. Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add tomatoes and allow to blister.

2. Add shallots, garlic, and kale; sauté together for a minute.

3. Add in pasta and pine nuts. Pour sauce over the vegetables and pasta. Mix in ricotta cheese, flipping contents a few times. Divide pasta into two dishes and top with ground Grana or Parmeggiano Reggiano.

 

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