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Chili Linguini with Cavolo Nero
Cavolo nero, or Tuscan kale, is an Italian variety of kale, originally from Tuscany. Its glossy, very dark green leaves have a robust texture, and the flavour is somewhat like spinach but with a delicious nuttiness and slight sweetness.
Yield: 4 servings
Source: Simple Food
Recipe credit: Margaret Warren, Photo: Andrew Warren

Ingredients
10 cups cavolo nero, or curly kale, finely sliced
1/3 cup good olive oil
2 large cloves garlic, crushed
2 long red chillis, sliced finely
500 g linguini (chili-infused, if available)
½ cup parmesan, grated
zest of 1 lemon
sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Directions
- Trim the stalks from the cavolo nero and slice finely. In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the garlic and chilli over medium heat for a couple of minutes, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the cavolo nero to the frying pan and saute until tender.
- Meanwhile, when the water comes to the boil, cook the pasta until al dente (about 8 – 10 minutes).
- When the pasta is cooked, drain well, keeping aside about 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water. Toss the pasta through the kale mixture, adding some of the pasta water to bring it all together, glossy and delicious.
- Season to taste with sea salt and black pepper. Sprinkle with the grated parmesan and lemon zest and serve right away.