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Vibrant Pea and Pine Nut Pesto
This vibrant and flavorful pea and pine nut pesto is a delightful twist on traditional pesto, offering a burst of color and freshness that's perfect for summer gatherings. The sweet, bright green peas blended with nutty pine nuts and aromatic basil create a luscious sauce that is not only versatile but also incredibly nutritious. Historically, pesto hails from the Liguria region of Italy, where fresh ingredients are key to its rich flavors. Serve this pesto on crostini, toss it with pasta, or drizzle it over grilled vegetables for an irresistible taste of the Mediterranean.
Ingredients
- Frozen peas
- 2 cups
- Pine nuts
- 1/3 cup
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup, packed
- Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup, grated
- Garlic
- 2 cloves
- Lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons
- Olive oil
- 1/4 cup
- Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the frozen peas for 2-3 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a dry skillet, toast the pine nuts over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let them cool completely.
- In a food processor, combine the cooked peas, toasted pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Process until the mixture is smooth and well combined, scraping down the sides of the processor as needed to ensure even blending.
- Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or lemon juice to suit your preference.
- Transfer the pea and pine nut pesto to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use. It can be stored for up to a week.
- Serve as a spread on crostini, toss with pasta, or use as a vibrant sauce for grilled vegetables. This pesto also pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish.
Tips
- For a creamier texture, add a couple of tablespoons of Greek yogurt or cream cheese.
- Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds for a unique flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
Dietary Information
Servings: 6 Dish Type: Sauce/Dip Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 5 minutes Calories: 190 Fat: 15g Carbs: 10g Protein: 6g Sodium: 150mg Sugar: 2g
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