Last updated : Tuesday, March 23, 2010

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Spicy Pasta with Kale and Almonds

Many people are under the impression that pasta is bad for your diet because it's loaded with carbohydrates. But the truth is, pasta can actually be extremely healthy and can help prevent and fight cancer! All you need is the right ingredients! iMag went to Ann Ogden, a breast cancer survivor and the founder of  "Cook For Your Life," for her easy and tasty recipe! 

Spicy Pasta with Kale and Almonds

Why it's good for you? Kale is one of the most powerful anti-oxidant cancer fighting greens there is! Tomatoes add lycopene and almonds add amygdalin, which are two more cancer fighters. Try using different types of kale for this dish: choose from lacinato, Russian or curly. When upping the quantities, use at least one bunch for every two to three people. Don't skimp because kale wilts and shrinks 80 percent when cooked.

Ingredients: 

Serves 2 - 3

Note: If you don’t like your food too spicy, use 1/2 a hot pepper only.

1 Large bunch of kale, leaves stripped from the tough stems and washed well. Discard the stems.
3 Tbsps olive oil
1-2 Cloves of garlic, smashed peeled and sliced length ways
1 Small dried red chili pepper broken into large pieces seeds and vein removed
2/3 Cup diced tomatoes, canned or fresh
2-3 Tbsp fresh chopped Italian parsley
1 Tbsp fresh chopped mint (optional)
2 Tbsp slivered almonds
1 Tbsp freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp golden raisins (optional)
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Whole wheat pasta such as rigatoni or penne (Measure it and allow 2 oz. per person only!)

Directions: 

1. Put water for the pasta on to boil. Dry toast the almonds in a heavy frying pan, until they are just golden. Set aside. Soak the raisins in a ladleful of the hot pasta water. Set aside.

2. Salt the water when it is boiling. Add the kale and cook until it wilts, about 2 minutes. Remove
from the water with tongs and squeeze out as much water as possible in a colander. Chop
roughly and set aside. Bring the water to a boil again for the pasta.

3. While the water is re-heating, heat the oil in a wok or wide heavy frying pan over a medium/high flame. Add the garlic and dried chili. Stir-fry until the garlic is just golden - if the garlic is browning too fast, turn down heat. At this point, start cooking the pasta. Use a timer if you have one, and cook for one minute less than the time recommended on the packet. It will finish cooking in the sauce. When the pasta is done, reserve two cups of the cooking water and drain.

4. While the pasta is cooking, add the cooked kale to the garlic and sauté for one minute over a medium high flame to heat through. Add the tomatoes and cook until they have reduced by half. Add 1/4 cup of the pasta water plus the drained raisins. Cook for a minute then add the toasted almonds. Moisten with more pasta water as necessary – the sauce shouldn't dry out but shouldn't be too liquidy either. When the pasta is ready, add the mint, parsley and the grated parmesan to the kale, and mix well. Add a grind or two of black pepper and check for salt.

5. Add the drained pasta plus half of the reserved water to the kale. Turn to mix until the pasta and greens are coated in sauce. Cook over a medium high heat until the pasta is al dente, about one minute as the pasta will absorb the sauce as it finishes cooking. If necessary add more of the
reserved water as you cook. Serve immediately with more freshly grated parmesan cheese on the side.

For more great recipes check out iMag's Food Page. 

Ann Ogden was working as a top fashion designer and consultant until cancer stopped her in her tracks twice in four years. She has always been interested in food and cooking, and it was this love that Ann decided to put to use to create something positive for those who, like her, had had to endure the unavoidable suffering and isolation of cancer treatment. Ann then started the not-for-profit organization, entitled "Cook For Your Life" that teaches people healthy eating principles and cooking skills for cancer patients and survivors. 

 

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