The Northern Express Herald

Spaghetti With Kale, Butter Beans & Lemon Ricotta

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By Eleanor Ozich
Viva
Add this one-pot pasta wonder to your weeknight dinner repertoire. Picture / Eleanor Ozich

This one-pot pasta is dead simple to make, and a brilliant method to have in your back pocket for those busy mid-week nights when you’ve no idea what to cook.

The spaghetti and butter beans are cooked in one big pot along with roughly-sliced kale, sundried tomatoes, a generous pinch of chilli flakes and the zest of a lemon. Everything is then tossed together with a decent glug of extra virgin olive oil to create a meltingly delicious and comforting sauce. Best served with torn-up fresh herbs and a few chunks of creamy ricotta.

SPAGHETTI WITH KALE, BUTTER BEANS AND LEMON RICOTTA Serves 4
For the pasta A bunch of kale or other leafy greens, roughly sliced 250g dried spaghetti ½ cup finely sliced sundried tomatoes, olives or capers 1½ cups of cooked butter beans, lentils or chickpeas A large pinch of chilli flakes 2 cloves of garlic, finely sliced Zest of one lemon A glug of extra virgin olive oil

Note: I used gluten-free sorghum and quinoa spaghetti, although most types of dried pasta are fine, simply adjust the water accordingly. If the pasta looks dry while cooking, add a little more boiling water to the pot.

To serve A large handful of chopped fresh herbs such as basil or Italian parsley Juice of one lemon 2 Tbsp butter, optional 80g ricotta
  1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot and add enough boiling water to cover, about 4 cups. Bring to the boil, and simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente. The liquid should have reduced, creating a light, starchy sauce.
  2. Add the herbs, lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil. Season generously with flaky sea salt and freshly ground pepper, then toss until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
  3. Serve with a scattering of fresh herbs and ricotta.

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