Kale Salad with Ricotta Salata, Pine Nuts, and Anchovies Recipe

With its toasty pine nuts, elegant French dressing, vivid marinated anchovies, and beneficiant quantity of savory ricotta salata, Nancy Silverton’s intelligent assemblage of Italian flavors makes for a compelling salad that is constantly scrumptious chew after chew. She stirs a portion of the cheese proper into the dressing in addition to scattering it over the layers of kale, additional guaranteeing its even distribution all through.

What makes Tuscan kale particular?

Tuscan kale, aka lacinato kale, dinosaur kale, or cavolo nero, is a very good choice for uncooked purposes like this salad as a result of its bumpy, darkish blue-green leaves are extra tender than different varieties. Plus, its earthy taste is on the milder, sweeter facet of the kale spectrum.

What is the distinction between brown and white anchovies?

Brown and white anchovies are each from the identical fish — the colour distinction is a mirrored image of how they have been processed. Whereas brown anchovies are filleted and totally cured in salt, white anchovies are uncured, so they preserve their pure coloration. After they have been filleted, white anchovies could or might not be frivolously salted earlier than they’re submerged in a vinegar-based marinade. In comparison with brown anchovies, white anchovies are candy and gentle.

Notes from the Meals & Wine Check Kitchen

• Maintain an in depth eye on the pine nuts as you are toasting them within the skillet — as a result of they’re so small, they will shortly go from completely golden to burnt. It is vital to gauge their doneness in line with scent and look reasonably than time.
• Italian white anchovies might be bought from specialty meals retailers, or you’ll be able to marinate your personal recent anchovies at residence.
• When dressing the kale, Silverton instructs to start out with simply half of the French dressing, including extra as desired. When you have some left over, you’ll be able to both serve it on the facet in case visitors would love further, or pop it within the fridge for an additional use.

Steered pairing

Energetic, citrusy northern Italian Pinot Grigio.