March 2012

Have you ever cooked with kale before? Kale is a dark, leafy green commonly known as a “superfood” meaning that it is packed with nutrition. It comes in several varieties – I used the curly kale for this recipe.

Up until a few years ago, I had never eaten kale, let alone known how to prepare it! My friend, Angie, shared this recipe with me when I asked her how to cook with it as I really had no idea where to begin. I think it is delicious and hope you will too.

Pasta with Kale, Cannelini Beans & Fresh Herb Vinagrette

51

4 Servings

Pasta with Kale, Cannelini Beans & Fresh Herb Vinagrette

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pkg. Trader Joe's brown rice spaghetti (8 oz.)
  • 1 15 oz. can cannelini or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 bunch kale, de-stemmed and roughly chopped (any variety)
  • 1/2 sweet onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 pieces cooked and crumbled bacon (I use Trader Joe's uncured, nitrate-free applewood smoked)
  • salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes
  • olive oil
  • freshly grated parmesan cheese (omit for dairy-free)
  • fresh herb vinagrette (recipe follows)

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, heat 3 T. olive oil.
  2. Sprinkle some salt, pepper and red pepper flakes over the hot oil. (caution: only sprinkle a few pepper flakes if you like it mild!)
  3. Add chopped onion and garlic and cook until onion softens (about 5 min.).
  4. Add bacon and cook another minute.
  5. Add kale and cook until it just begins to wilt (you can add more olive oil if necessary).
  6. Add beans and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and heated through.
  7. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan or dutch oven, heat water and 1 T. olive oil to boil the pasta. Cook until al dente and prepare herb vinagrette.
  8. Drain pasta and return to saucepan.
  9. Add herb vinagrette and toss to coat.
  10. Add kale mixture and toss together as well.
  11. Divide among plates and serve topped with a generous amount of parmesan cheese.
https://wholesomemama.com/recipe/pasta-with-kale-cannelini-beans-and-fresh-herb-vinagrette/

Fresh Herb Vinagrette

51

4 Servings

Fresh Herb Vinagrette

Ingredients

  • 1/4 c. assorted fresh herbs, finely chopped (I used 2 chives, 6 basil leaves and a handful of flat leaf parsley)
  • 2 T. red wine vinegar
  • 2 T. dijon mustard
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • a sprinkle of dry italian dressing packet (optional, but really good)
  • 3-4 T. olive oil

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl or glass liquid measuring cup, place herbs and vinegar.
  2. Mash together with a whisk and let sit a few minutes.
  3. Whisk in mustard and seasonings.
  4. Then whisk in enough oil to make it slightly thickened and mild enough to suit your taste.
https://wholesomemama.com/recipe/pasta-with-kale-cannelini-beans-and-fresh-herb-vinagrette/

Angie also suggests that the Fresh Herb Vinagrette would be great to marinade chicken, toss with some steamed potatoes, or use as a salad dressing.

Speaking of Angie, she has generously shared all kinds recipes, tips, and information with me over the years. I asked her if I can post some recipes from her kitchen here on Wholesome Mama and she said, “Absolutely!”

{She seriously could easily write an entire cookbook with all of her culinary expertise and creativeness so I am grateful to be able to pass on some of her recipes to you!}

What is your favorite way to prepare kale?

{ 1 comment }

There’s nothing like fresh green beans! This recipe is the perfect mix of sweet sautéed garlic and salty tamari. Feel free to use soy sauce instead if you are not sensitive to gluten.

The best part: it is simple, fast and your kids will be asking for more!

Garlic Green Beans with Tamari Glaze

Garlic Green Beans with Tamari Glaze

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 3 cups fresh green beans, ends trimmed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 Tbsp. tamari
  • freshly ground pepper

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, heat oil on medium heat until hot.
  2. Add green beans and saute for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add garlic and continue to stir until green beans and garlic are starting to brown and the beans are crisp-tender.
  4. Add tamari sauce and stir to coat.
  5. Season with freshly ground pepper to taste.
https://wholesomemama.com/recipe/garlic-green-beans-with-tamari-glaze/

{ 2 comments }

Brown Rice Pilaf with Almonds

March 16, 2012

When my husband and I changed our diet to include whole grains, one of the changes we made was switching from white rice to brown. White rice has been stripped of a good portion of its nutrients and contains less fiber. Brown rice has a slightly nutty flavor, and like other whole grains, is more […]

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Gripe Water: All Natural Relief

March 13, 2012

I wanted to take a minute to tell you all about a fabulous product made specifically for babies with stomach discomfort due to colic, teething, hiccups or excess gas. Gripe Water is an all natural, herbal digestive aid made without parabens or alcohol. Not only is it safe to give to your baby, it actually works! […]

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Sarah’s Simple Salsa

March 12, 2012

It’s time to spill my secret. {My secret salsa recipe that is!} The secret is this: I use canned tomatoes with green chilies as the base. So simple. I always keep them on hand in my pantry so I can throw this together in no time. I don’t know about you, but Chips & Salsa […]

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Fresh Spring Rolls & Dipping Sauce

March 9, 2012

I never knew that fresh spring rolls could be so easy to make! The main thing to account for is the time it takes to prep all the ingredients and then assembling them. My dear friend taught me how to make these and shared this recipe with me {hi Angie!} PrintFresh Spring Rolls & Dipping […]

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Kid Friendly Gluten-Free Snack Ideas

March 8, 2012

The picture on the left is a selection of the produce in my house this morning. We eat a lot of fruit and vegetables! {I do have a great resource for being able to keep fresh produce on hand that I will share in a future post.} In between meals, my kids usually need some […]

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Lately

March 6, 2012

Lately I have been… packing our belongings into moving boxes nurturing sick kids dreaming of our new home  planning out each detail             thanking God for each blessing new and old      thinking about this space and what I want to share choosing to put priority on other things […]

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