Kohlrabi greens spaghetti
Did you know you could make spaghetti with kohlrabi greens?
I always buy kohlrabi or beets with their greens attached, and use them to make spaghetti or other pasta. This is a great way to reduce food waste and add some diversity to my table. When vegetables like this have still their greens attached, you can be sure they’re fresh!
Kohlrabi greens spaghetti: Ingredients
This recipe is very simple and calls for just 5 ingredients:
- kohlrabi greens: when buying kohlrabi or beets, try to buy those with vibrant, crunchy leaves. Both the bulb and the leaves should be firm and crisp. Do not worry if some leaves have holes or are not perfect. These greens are not.
- anchovies: anchovies in oil are perfect for the job, but sometimes the oil used is not very good. If you want to be sure of all the ingredients you are using, buy salted anchovies and use them instead.
- garlic: fresh garlic is perfect, but if you prefer, or have it on hand, use powdered garlic, it’s as good as the fresh one.
- pasta: try to buy a good quality pasta, if you do not know how to choose it check my article on how to buy the best pasta
- extra virgin olive oil: I know this is expensive, but when you use a good quality olive oil, you only need a very small quantity. Moreover, health- and taste-wise, it brings the dish to a whole new level.
Recipe variations
This is a very simple recipe that can actually be made with any green of your choice: broccoli rabe, kale, Swiss chard. If you do not like anchovies you can skip it, or use olives instead, both black or green work very well.
A touch of spice will work very well with this recipe. I always add some cayenne pepper or chilly flakes when heating the oil.
Kohlrabi greens health facts
Like any other brassica leaves, kohlrabi greens are rich in fiber, but also in vitamins like A, C, E and K. Making it a very healthy addition to your diet. the red ones also have anthocyanines, anti-inflammatory compounds that helps our body fight inflammation and cellular aging.
These below are the major benefits provided:
- anti-inflammatory
- improve digestion
- improve the immune system
- help in preventing neurodegenerative diseases
- improve bone health
Now let’s see how to make this recipe!
Kohlrabi greens spaghetti
Ingredients
- 300 gr of kohlrabi greens
- 360 gr of spaghetti
- 6/8 anchovies
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 chilly pepper optional
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring enough water to a boil to cook the pasta and add salt.
- Wash and rinse the greens, then chop them.
- When the water starts to boil, add the greens and cook for a couple of minutes.
- In the meantime, heat the oil in a large pan, add the garlic, anchovies, and the chilly pepper.
- Remove the greens from the water with a pasta spoon or a kitchen tong, and add them to the hot oil.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook.
- Stir-fry the vegetables in the pan for a couple of minutes, then turn the heat off.
- When the pasta is almost cooked, heat again the pan with the greens and remove some of the cooking water from the pot.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the pan with the vegetables.
- Stir-fry and, if it’s too dry, use the water to adjust the consistency or add some more olive oil.
- Serve hot with a sprinkle of black pepper on top.
