Recipe
February 9, 2010
Walnut Pesto Pasta Recipe
Walnut Pesto
Step 1: In a food processor, coarsely chop walnuts and parsley. Add Parmesan, garlic, hot pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste. Gradually add oil to food processor, pulsing several times, until pesto is blended but not too smooth. Texture should remain coarse.
Pasta
Step 1: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of the oil over medium-high heart and add half of the mushrooms. Season with salt to taste, and add a few of the hot pepper flakes. If using, allow mushrooms to brown for several minutes, adding a little of the remaining olive oil as necessary. When the mushrooms are nicely coloured on both sides, remove from the skillet. Repeat with remaining mushrooms. Keep warm.
Step 2: In a large pot of boiling slated water, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
Step 3: Toss pasta, pesto and some of the reserved cooking water until pasta is well coated.
Step 4: Serve pasta on individual plates topped with pan-fried mushrooms. Season with pepper to taste. As an alternative, replace mushrooms with fried butternut quash or zucchini, or serve alongside a salad of pear tomatoes seasoned with grated lemon zest and olive oil.
Reprinted with permission from Josée di Stasio’s Pasta Et Cetera A La Di Stasio (2009 Transcontinental).
Directions
Yield:
Walnut Pesto
Step 1: In a food processor, coarsely chop walnuts and parsley. Add Parmesan, garlic, hot pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste. Gradually add oil to food processor, pulsing several times, until pesto is blended but not too smooth. Texture should remain coarse.
Pasta
Step 1: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of the oil over medium-high heart and add half of the mushrooms. Season with salt to taste, and add a few of the hot pepper flakes. If using, allow mushrooms to brown for several minutes, adding a little of the remaining olive oil as necessary. When the mushrooms are nicely coloured on both sides, remove from the skillet. Repeat with remaining mushrooms. Keep warm.
Step 2: In a large pot of boiling slated water, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
Step 3: Toss pasta, pesto and some of the reserved cooking water until pasta is well coated.
Step 4: Serve pasta on individual plates topped with pan-fried mushrooms. Season with pepper to taste. As an alternative, replace mushrooms with fried butternut quash or zucchini, or serve alongside a salad of pear tomatoes seasoned with grated lemon zest and olive oil.
Reprinted with permission from Josée di Stasio’s Pasta Et Cetera A La Di Stasio (2009 Transcontinental).
Jean Longpré