Broccoli Pesto & A Simple Pesto Pasta

Tuesday, February 02, 2016

Broccoli Pesto

A lot of people seem to dislike Broccoli but I am on the other side. I just love that green coloured Vegetable. I can probably eat it everyday & in the most simple manner, steamed -- with a dash of salt & pepper.

I am always on the lookout for new ways of using broccoli. Broccoli Parathas taste excellent & so does Aloo Broccoli ..  Oh and Tandoori Broccoli is divine by the way, try it 

I made a nice pesto with Broccoli & I think it is a great way to sneak in this healthy vegetable if your kids are picky eaters.

DSC_3037

You Will Need:
  • 1 large heaf of Broccoli
  • A big handful of Almonds
  • A couple of stems of Mint
  • 2 tsp chopped Garlic
  • juice of half a lime
  • 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tsp Dried Chilli Flakes
  • Salt as per taste

How To:

Cut Broccoli into florets. Steam them for 3-4 minutes & strain. Set aside.

In a food processor, add all the ingredients & whizz for a couple of minutes till it reaches a pesto like consistency.  If you find the pesto very thick & dry, add a little EVOO
Store it in an air tight jar. Keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Use this pesto in your pasta, As a Dip, in Marinades  as a salad dressing, on toast or you could eat it by the spoonfuls. Its quite yummy that way too

DSC_2941

For the Pesto Pasta, You Will Need:

  • 1 cup cooked Pasta
  • Half a cup of Broccoli Pesto
  • A handful of cherry Tomatoes
  • Sliced Black olives
  • Fresh Basil for Garnish
  • A dash of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
  • Salt if needed

 How To:

Choose any pasta of your choice, I used Macaroni because it is the child's current favourite :) Cook according to package instructions. Drain & set aside.

In a wide bowl, Add the pasta, Pesto, Halved cherry tomatoes, olives  chopped Basil & EVOO .  Give it a good mix. Check if you need some salt & Add if necessary. Gently mix again. If you find the pasta too dry, add some more pesto. I love a Pesto heavy pasta

Let it stand for 10-15 minutes before serving for the flavours to infuse

 NOTE:

 I didn't find the need to toast the almonds. You could, if you wish to. 
You can try replacing Almonds with other nuts like Pine nuts, melon seeds, Walnuts or Pecans


Share This Story

Tags: ,

You Might Also Like

1 comments