They call it ‘Spaghetti with Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, and Garlicky Kale”, but I call it “The Love Mender

What’s the perfect song to sing on a Meatless Monday?

“you say tomato (tuh-mey-toh), I say tomato(tuh-mah-toh)
you eat potato (puh-tey-toh) and I eat potato (puh-tey-tuh)
tomato, tomato, potato, potato
let’s call the whole thing off”

That’s kind of crazy to call the whole thing off over a matter of pronounciations, don’t ya think? Well I’m sure Fred Astaire had a good reason…maybe she couldn’t give up eating meat for one day a week. If you are reading this, then you may be at least entertaining the idea. But what do you eat instead of meat?? How about some tomatoes and potatoes, along with some other goodies in a gorgeous spaghetti? It just might bring together a couple of foolish, food lovers!

They call it ‘Spaghetti with Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, and Garlicky Kale”, but I call it “The Love Mender”.

Serves 4

Time: 20 minutes

Sea salt
1 small bunch kale, stems removed and chopped (about 8-10 stalks)
1 large sweet potato, cubed (about 3 cups, skin on)
1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
6 cloves garlic, minced
12 oz fiber-rich spaghetti, such as whole wheat, spelt, quinoa, or brown rice pasta
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil,
¼ cup toasted pine nuts
Juice of ½ lemon
Red pepper flakes, to taste

Directions:
1. Put a pot of well-salted water onto boil.

2. Prepare all veggies for cooking.

3. Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package directions. Drain and return to the pot.

4. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, add oil, a few pinches of sea salt and sweet potatoes. Cook, uncovered, without stirring, 5 minutes. Toss potatoes once, cover skillet with lid, and cook 5 minutes more .

5. Add garlic, kale, tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Crush a few tomatoes on the bottom of the skillet so that their juices are released (this will help steam the kale). Cook just until the kale has wilted and turns bright green, 2 to 3 minutes. (Do not overcook!) Remove from heat. Squeeze lemon juice over the vegetables. (Bonus: Lemon juice’s vitamin C helps your body absorb the iron from the kale.)

6. Toss cooked pasta with olive oil. Add sautéed vegetables and pine nuts and toss.

Season with sea salt to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy, thoroughly!

Thanks to Sarah Britton, via wholelivingdaily.wholeliving.com, for the creative recipe.