kale mac n cheese

After a summer of CSA vegetables, we needed something that our kids would definitely eat, hopefully in the form of vegetables. So, why not just combine kale, cheese and pasta? This was really really good - for both kids and adults.

kale mac n cheese
serves 4-6

1-2 tbsp olive oil
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small bunch kale, removed from stem and chopped
1/4 - 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock
1/ 2 lb short pasta
2 tbsp butter
2-3 tbsp flour
about 2 cups whole milk
1 cup grated cheese (I used a mix of cheddar, gruyere and random mozzarella)
salt and pepper, to taste

Boil pasta according

Heat olive oil in a large sauce pan and saute garlic until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper.

Add in the kale and stock and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper.

Transfer to a blender or food processor and blend. Set aside.

Melt butter in the same sauce pan. Add flour, salt and pepper. Stir until mixed, about 1-2 mins (you want to cook off the pastry flavor of the flour).

Slowly pour in the milk and whisk  until you've got a thick sauce (you may not need to use all of it).

Stir in the cheese until melted.

Pour in the blended kale and stir until fully incorporated.

Add in the cooked pasta, tossing to combine.

Serve immediately.