Pasta with Roasted Fuyu Persimmons, Kale, and Goat Cheese
In this vegetarian pasta dish, the sweetness of roasted fuyu persimmons is balanced by the bitterness of kale, the tanginess of goat cheese, and the saltiness of Parmesan. The roasted red onions and mushrooms add additional sweetness and umami, as well as textural variation. A sprinkle of nutty, toasted pine nuts adds a bit of crunch, too. I use a cast-iron skillet to roast the persimmon and vegetables because it caramelizes them so well, but you could use any oven-safe baking dish or skillet.
Course Main Dish Recipes
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutesminutes
Cook Time 25 minutesminutes
Total Time 35 minutesminutes
Servings 6Servings
Author Robin Donovan
Ingredients
4fuyu persimmonspeeled, cored, and cut into wedges
½red onionthinly sliced
6ouncesmushroomssliced
3tablespoonsolive oildivided
½teaspoonkosher saltdivided
8ounceskaleribs removed and leaves julienned
8ouncescavatappi or other short pastarotini, fusilli, penne, etc., cooked according to package directions
4ouncesgoat cheese
Parmesan cheesefor garnish
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375ºF.
In a large cast-iron skillet, baking dish, or rimmed baking sheet, toss the persimmons, onion, and mushrooms with the olive oil and season with 1/4 teaspoon of the salt. Roast in the preheated oven, stirring once halfway through cooking, for about 25 minutes, until the persimmon begins to turn golden brown and caramelized and the onions and mushrooms are soft.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package directions.
Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the kale, and season with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until the kale is tender.
Drain the cooked pasta and toss with the kale. When the persimmon and vegetables are finished roasting, toss them with the pasta as well. Crumble the goat cheese over the top and serve hot, garnished with pine nuts and Parmesan cheese.