- Salt
- 1 pound whole wheat penne pasta
- Dried porcini mushrooms (a handful)
- 2 cups chicken, vegetable or mushroom broth
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
- 4 portobello mushroom caps, halved and thinly sliced
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced lengthwise
- 3-4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 bunch kale, stemmed and chopped
- Freshly ground pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon grated or ground nutmeg (eyeball it)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup chopped, peeled hazelnuts
- 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons flour
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain.
While the pasta is working, in a small saucepan, soften the dried mushrooms in the broth over low heat.
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the EVOO, two turns of the pan, over medium heat. Add the portobellos, shallots and garlic and cook until tender, 6 minutes. Add the kale, cover the skillet and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper and the nutmeg and toss.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the porcinis to a cutting board and chop, then add to the kale mixture. Pour the porcini broth into a bowl or cup, discarding any grit at the bottom of the pan; set aside. Wipe out the pan, add the butter and melt over medium heat. Add the hazelnuts and rosemary and cook for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle the flour on top and cook for 1 minute, then whisk in the reserved porcini broth and cook until thickened, 3-4 minutes.
Toss the pasta with the kale mixture and gravy; season with salt and pepper.