Sunday, November 22, 2015

End of fall pasta: Penne with kale, sweet potatoes, and caramelized onions

When scouring my fridge for things that could be made into a decent meal, I had low expectations, but was happily surprised to find kale and sweet potatoes. It was one of those meals that came together fast - sautéed kale! roasted sweet potatoes! pasta! I dug through my fridge and pantry, and found a few other treats to add. Although I didn't add any cheese (because there was none in my fridge), the pasta would be even better with some fresh parmesan on top. 


Penne with kale, sweet potatoes, and caramelized onions
Serves 2-3

1 bunch kale, ribs removed and julienned
1 yellow onion, diced
1 sweet potato, diced
1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
1/2 lb whole wheat pasta (I used penne)
Zest of 1/2 lemon
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/4 c pine nuts, toasted
Olive oil
Butter
Salt
Pepper

1. Make the sweet potato. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Combine sweet potato, sage, a few tbsp of olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes or until soft.

2. Cook the pasta according to instructions.

3. Prepare the kale and onions. Preheat a few tbsp of butter in a pan. Add onions, and cook over medium heat until caramelized and brown. Add the kale and wilt. Add lemon juice, cook for a few more minutes, then stir in lemon zest, salt, and pepper off the heat.

4. Finish the pasta. Combine the sweet potato, kale and onion mixture, and pasta. Add a few tbsp of olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, and finish with parmesan cheese.