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5/15/11

"Kale Caesar!" Spaghetti (inspired by Rachael Ray)

"Kale Caesar!" Spaghetti (inspired by Rachael Ray)

I happened upon an episode of Dr. Oz recently where Rachael Ray was guest appearing. She demonstrated her lightened-up version of "You Won't be Single for Long" Vodka Cream Pasta which she dubbed "Now You'll be Living a Lot Longer Spaghetti". Essentially it's a lightened up Caesar dressing tossed with good-for-you kale and whole wheat spaghetti - YUM-O!

Seriously quick-n-easy to make, and seriously good! In my opinion, the anchovies are the key to the well-rounded flavor of this dish, so don't leave them out. You'll end up with a dish that's lacking - one that seems like it's missing something but you just can't put your finger on what it is. It's anchovies! If you've cooked with anchovies before, you know that there's no fishy flavor or odor, and they definitely impart a saltiness that you can't get from salt. If you haven't, I encourage you to try it and let me know what you think.

"Kale Caesar!" Spaghetti
inspired by Rachael Ray

Serves 2 (recipe easily doubled)

Ingredients:
8 ounces organic whole-wheat spaghetti (1/2 of a 1 lb. box)
1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil
3-4 anchovy fillets, drained (I used Bellino Anchovies that I picked up at my local market)
2 large cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 - 1 bunch of fresh organic kale, stemmed and chopped
fresh cracked black pepper
1/8 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 organic egg yolk
1/4 cup reserved pasta water
3 ounces freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for garnish
sea salt (optional)

Prepare spaghetti according to package directions, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining.

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. When oil is warmed add anchovies and garlic and stir until anchovies melt and garlic is fragrant - about a minute or two.

anchovies and garlic
anchovies are broken down and garlic is fragrant

Next add the Worcestershire and stir, then add the kale and turn to coat. I used half the bunch of kale but later wished I had used the entire bunch.

kale

Add fresh cracked pepper to taste, nutmeg and lemon juice and turn to coat. Let set over low heat while you prepare the rest of the sauce.

Take the reserved pasta water and add it a little at a time to the egg yolk beating it as you go, to temper the yolk without cooking it. Next add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, the pasta water/egg yolk mixture, and the Pecorino Romano cheese. Toss to coat and remove from heat.

toss with kale mixture, pasta water/yolk mixture, and cheese

Taste for seasoning and add sea salt and additional fresh cracked pepper if desired. Top with fresh grated Pecorino Romano before serving.

Pecorino Romano Cheese

Delicious and light!


20 comments:

  1. Oh, this is wonderful! I think I've only worked with anchovies once in my life but, it's just because I've never really thought about how to use them. This is a great way and the dish as a whole is uber-scrumptious! I love all the ingredients, especially the kale! Thank you for sharing this :-)

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  2. Yum! I am loving this recipe! Kale is so nutritious, I am adding it to anything these days :)!

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  3. mmmm! i wish my husband wasn't a vegetarian - i'm dying to cook a pasta with anchovies

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  4. Yum-o is right!!! This sounds divine:)

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  5. although i find rachel ray a tad annoying, she has amazing recipes.. this one is no different!

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  6. That looks so good...and it helps that it's also very healthy! I've never cooked w/anchovies, but I've always heard they give a nutty-salty flavor without any fishiness.

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  7. this looks amazing! am definitely going to give this a try! thanks for the post!

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  8. I'm not going to lie, anchovies scare me (they were not advertised/marketed well by my older brothers when I was little and some things just stick) But my kids keep asking what they are and I know my husband likes them. I can do it...I can try anything once right?

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  9. I love the addition of egg in pasta. Makes it taste so rich. This sounds delish!

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  10. Ha, I absolutely love this recipe title! This dish looks amazingly good, and super simple to make for such a healthy idea.

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  11. I had not heard of Rachael Ray's recipe before but I'm convinced to try it now. Wow, that last closeup shot of the plate is going to haunt me until I get to taste this dish.

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  12. What a yummy pasta dish. I've never cooked with anchovies before, but I may have to reconsider. I totally had them pegged for a fishy flavor. ;)

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  13. What a simple, cheap and healthy recipe, bravo!

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  14. This dish looks and sounds fantastic! I have never cooked with anchovies, but this makes me want to right now! As always, your photos are gorgeous! Congrats on Top 9, it was well deserved!

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  15. I'm not one of her biggest fans but this looks great! I love simple pasta dishes.

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  16. I have a ton of kale sitting in my fridge waiting to be used. I think this is a perfect recipe! It looks really tasty and filling.

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  17. Congrats on a tasty recipe and making Top 9!

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  18. Anchovies, Worcestershire sauce, freshly ground black pepper, and nutmeg. Love that you are putting flavor back in American dishes!

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  19. Fantastic pasta dish! Love the anchovies, I'd never leave them out! I simply don't tell my guests and they never know any better!!

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  20. I can't wait to try this! I just wanted to let you know that I featured this in my "What I Bookmarked This Week" post today. Stop by and see!

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