Bright in color and flavor, this pea & cilantro pesto is the perfect topping for pasta, spaghetti squash, or even a cracker.
Pea & Cilantro Pesto
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 cup peas*
- 3/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice about 1 lemon
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
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Place peas in bowl of food processor.
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Add cilantro, garlic, and parmesan.
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Secure food processor lid, and add half of the lemon juice.
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Turn food processor to high.
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Leaving food processor on high, add a teaspoon of lemon juice.
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Turn processor off, scrape down sides of bowl.
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Turn food processor to high, adding more lemon juice, if needed, to fully incorporate ingredients.
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Season with salt and pepper, and pulse to combine.
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Transfer to a small bowl.
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Serve with crackers or as a topping for spaghetti squash or pasta.
Video
Notes
In the world of my food blog, there’s a timeline for my work, just as there is for many other jobs. Here’s what mine looks like:
- 2 months before publication- Brainstorm recipes
- 6 weeks before publication- Outline recipe
- 4 weeks before publication- Test & photograph recipes
- 3 weeks before publication- Write article, design video
- 1 week before publication- Edit article
Although it might seem like I just wake up and start cooking in my kitchen, there’s a lot more to my planning. I create a calendar of what I will be cooking. Sometimes it’s based around holidays, sometimes it’s seasons, sometimes it’s just because I want to try working with a specific ingredient. No matter the reason, there’s a schedule I follow as I go from initial idea to final product.
Thus, when I first thought about this pesto, I was envisioning spring. As someone who’s spent the majority of her life in the cold northeast, I was thinking about time spent outside, shopping at outdoor farmer’s markets, and gatherings with friends. However, as I type this recipe, I’m working from my home (like usual) but also practicing social distancing. There aren’t any trips to the farmer’s market or social gatherings in my near future.
Even with these unexpected changes, I am excited about spring. Being at home all of the time gives me even more reason to embrace a dish that is bright and cheerful like a spring day. No, I can’t share it with friends and family, but I can enjoy it with my husband.
Of course, when you shop, some of the ingredients may not be available. Be creative. Substitute a tube of cilantro paste for the fresh cilantro. Use baby spinach. If you can’t find any of these items, then bookmark this recipe. Things will return to normal, and you’ll be able to find the ingredients you need. Then, this recipe will taste even more amazing than you imagined.
Another delicious, and unique, pasta or cracker topping (in case you’re looking to keep your meal more interesting) is this Red Pepper Pesto.
