1 bundle tuscan kale stemmed cut into large irregular shapes
6 servings kosher salt
6 servings kosher salt and pepper freshly ground
12.5 inch thick multi-grain batard
6 servings nutmeg freshly grated
0.3 cup parmigiano-reggiano generous grated (a handful)
0.3 cup pecorino cheese grated
0.3 cup pinenuts
4 plum tomatoes ripe halved
1 pound rigatoni rigate
0.3 cup walnuts chopped
Equipment
food processor
bowl
frying pan
baking sheet
oven
wire rack
broiler
Directions
Place a rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the broiler.
Cook the pasta in boiling salted water to al dente, 8 to 10 minutes. Heads up: reserve a mugful or about 1 1/2 cups starchy cooking water just before draining.
Arrange the kale on a cooling rack over a baking sheet. Dress the kale lightly with EVOO and season with salt, pepper and a little nutmeg. Broil until crisp and charred at the edges, 3 to 5 minutes.
Remove from the oven and reserve.
Toast the nuts in a small skillet over medium heat until fragrant.
Place the herbs in food processor and add the nuts. Then grate in the garlic, season with salt and pepper, and add cheeses and 1/2 cup EVOO. Pulse into a thick pesto sauce and adjust the seasoning.
Transfer to a large serving bowl.
Add 1 cup of the starchy water to the pesto. Toss the pasta and sauce to combine. If the pasta is dry, add the remaining 1/2 starchy water. Fold in half of the crispy kale and garnish with the remainder.
Serve with Broiled Tomato Crostini.
Heat the broiler.
Arrange the tomatoes on a baking sheet and dress with the thyme, salt and pepper and drizzle with EVOO. Broil until charred at the edges, 10 minutes. Chop the tomatoes and reserve.
Just before serving, char the toasts on each side, rub with the cut garlic, drizzle with EVOO and top the toast with the chopped, broiled tomatoes.
