Frugal Food: Pasta with Kale

Jen at FrugalUpstate is doing a terrific series on frugal foods -- some of her recipies are excellent and really deserve a look. She challenged readers to add to her recipie posting -- so here goes.

First off, be aware: we are in a really different place in our life-cycle than most of the "blogger mommies" (thank you Katie Couric for that term). We are a two person household most of the time. We entertain really, really frequently -- whether its kids, grandkids, in-laws, outlaws, friends or neighbors -- one of the things about living in a vacation destination area is that everyone uses you as an excuse to visit the destination. Add to all of this that many of the friends and relations we entertain are vegetarians or at least leaning in that direction: there are also a whole bunch of foodies in the mix. All of that means that the tastes and textures we prefer and use may not be what the frugal moms in the universe can get past their offspring's palates...

With that said: Pasta with Kale
Ingredients:
1 bunch of kale cleaned really well and chopped into ribbons
1 onion sliced thinly (I use the mandoline)
1 -2 tsp of minced garlic in oil (depending on taste)
a few tablespoons of EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
1/2 - 1 cup of raisins (depending on taste)
1/4 cup of feta cheese
3-4 tablespoons of chopped nuts (whatever is in the pantry)
1 box of bowties cooked according to the package directions and HOT

Heat the EVOO in a cast iron skillet --- saute the onion and garlic until fragrant and beginning to soften. Add the chopped kale and saute until wilted and softened. Stir in the raisins and nuts. Allow them to heat through for a minute or two. Pour the kale mixture into a large serving bowl and stir in the hot pasta. Add the feta cheese and stir one more time.

We serve this with fresh, crusty bread and good butter --- DINNER!!!