Citrus Lentil Salad with Kale Pesto

Remove the ribs and stems from the kale leaves. Rinse, and then add the leaves to a pot with 1/4 cup of water over medium heat. Cover and simmer until kale is tender but can still hold its shape, about 4 minutes. Drain excess water from the braised kale leaves, and add to the bowl of a food processor.

To make the pesto, combine the kale, almonds, garlic, red pepper flakes and salt in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Start by slowly drizzling in the olive oil, and process until smooth. Transfer the pesto to a bowl, and fold in the grated Parmesan cheese. If consistency is too thick, loosen with a tablespoon or two of water.

Bring 3 cups of salted water to a boil. Add the lentils and cook until al dente, about 20 minutes. Drain and reserve.

Meanwhile, wash and trim the bulb of fennel, halve lengthwise, and slice very thinly crosswise. Place slices in a prep bowl and set aside.

To prepare the orange segments, cut a thin slice off the stem end of 1 orange to reveal the flesh. Stand the orange upright and slice off the peel and pith in thick strips, cutting from the top to bottom and following the curve of the fruit. Working over a bowl and using a small paring knife, cut between the membranes to release the segments and juice of the fruit. Reserve the segments in their juice and set aside.

In a large bowl, toss the lentils with 1/3 cup of the kale pesto and the juice from the oranges until evenly coated. Spoon lentils onto serving platter and top with the fennel slices and orange segments. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with basil and parsley, and serve.

Remaining pesto can be frozen for later use.