ORECCHIETTE WITH CARAMELIZED TURNIPS, TUSCAN KALE, AND CRACKED PEPPER FROM 'THE VERMONT FARM TABLE COOKBOOK'

By tulawdog

Ingredients

• Salt
• 1 pound orecchiette
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 2 medium turnips, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 1 pound Tuscan kale, stems and center ribs removed, roughly chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• 8 tablespoons (4 ounces) unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus extra for garnish

Preparation

Step 1

Bring 6 quarts salted water to a boil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 3/4 cup of the pasta water. Set aside.

2
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add the turnips and reduce the heat to medium. Cook, stirring often, until the turnips are tender and golden, about 6 minutes.

3
Add the kale and cook, stirring often, until the kale is very tender, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook, stirring often, 1 minute. Add the reserved pasta water as needed and season with cracked pepper to taste. Add the butter and stir gently until melted.

4
Add the pasta to the kale mixture and toss with tongs until the pasta is well coated. Stir in the Parmigiano-Reggiano. Season with salt and additional cracked pepper to taste.

5
Divide the pasta into warm bowls, sprinkle with additional cheese, if desired, and serve.