Hearty Farro Pasta with Tuscan Kale & Walnuts
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Hearty Farro Pasta with Tuscan Kale & Walnuts

Farro, an ancient grain, is packed with fiber and makes for a great wheat pasta or rice alternative. Drench it all in white wine sauce. Dinner, done!

Ingredients

  • 1 box (17.6 oz.) farro fusilli or penne, such as Monograno Felicetti

  • 2 tbsp. EVOO, plus more for drizzling

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 large cloves garlic, chopped

  • ½ cup white wine

  • 1 bunch lacinato (Tuscan) kale (about 7 oz.), stemmed and finely chopped using a food processor

  • 1 lemon, zested and halved

  • ⅛ tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

  • 1 cup grated pecorino, plus more for garnish

  • 1 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped

Preparation

  • Step 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the pasta and cook 1 minute less than al dente, about 9 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain.

  • Step 2

    Meanwhile, in a large lidded skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tbsp. EVOO, two turns of the pan, then stir in the onions and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until just softened, 4 to 6 minutes. Stir in the wine and bring to a simmer. Stir in the kale and a pinch of salt and pepper; cover pan with a lid. Cook until kale is wilted, 3 to 5 minutes. Uncover and add the lemon zest and nutmeg, stirring until the liquid evaporates, about 30 seconds. Stir in the cooked pasta, 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water, and the juice of half the lemon. Stir until well combined. Add the pecorino and half the walnuts. Cook, stirring constantly, until pasta is saucy, adding more pasta water if needed. Season with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice, if desired.

  • Step 3

    Transfer pasta to shallow bowls and garnish with remaining cheese and walnuts and a drizzle of EVOO.

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