Dinner: Angel Hair with Lemon, Kale, and Pecans

Recipe by Stuart O'Keeffe When kale started to take over the food world, I noticed it was juiced, made into chips, put into smoothies, and even sneaked into chocolate bars. So why not put it in a pasta dish? The nuts in this recipe give the dish another

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Kale, Lemon, Basil

Health benefits of Angel Hair with Lemon, Kale, and Pecans

Kale is an excellent source of calcium, which has an important role in egg maturation and follicle development in the ovaries. Lemons can help to prevent oxidative damage to the body, which women with PCOS are often susceptible to. Lemons are also rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and other antioxidants. They can potentially support the immune system and have other health benefits. Lemons also have a low glycemic index, so they should not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar when consumed in natural form. Basil is an excellent stress reliever, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Ingredients

1/2 cup pecans
1 pound angel hair pasta
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried chili flakes
1/2 pound kale, stems discarded and chopped
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
8 basil leaves, torn
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan

Instructions

Toast pecans in a dry nonstick skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes until fragrant. Remove from skillet and chop. Set aside.
Add 1 teaspoon of salt to a pot of water and bring to a boil. Cook the pasta for 1 minute less than the package instructs.
While the pasta is cooking, heat 1/4 cup olive oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet until shimmering. Add the garlic and chili flakes and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add kale and lemon zest and cook for 2 minutes more. Stir carefully so that the kale will not fall out of the pan.
Add the pasta, remaining olive oil, lemon juice, basil, salt, and pepper. Toss until everything is coated.
Portion pasta onto plates. Sprinkle with the pecans and Parmesan cheese.

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