Charred Pepper Pesto Food

CHARRED PEPPER PESTO

Steps:

• Pick the thyme leaves, peel the garlic and drain the peppers.
• Gently toast the thyme leaves and nuts until they start to colour, then blitz with the peppers and garlic.
• Season with sea salt and black pepper, then add the cheese and enough oil until you've got a good pesto texture.

CHARRED ALASKA HALIBUT TACOS WITH CILANTRO PESTO

Steps:

• Combine all pesto ingredients in a blender or food processor; blend. Drizzle in more olive oil or water, if needed, until you get a salsa-like consistency. Season to taste with salt and pepper; set aside. Heat grill to medium-high heat (400°F). Brush halibut and grill surface with oil; grill 5 to 7 inches from heat about 8 minutes, turning once during cooking. Cook just until fish is opaque throughout. Season with salt and pepper. To assemble tacos: Char tortillas on grill or grill pan. Top each taco with a big pinch of shaved red cabbage. Break halibut into chunks and distribute evenly between tortillas. Top with a generous spoonful of pesto, a sprinkle of extra cotija cheese, and a lime wedge.

GIANT COUSCOUS SALAD WITH CHARRED VEG & TANGY PESTO

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. In a bowl, toss the beetroot, onions and peppers together with the oil, then spread out on a large roasting tray lined with baking paper and roast for 35 mins. Scatter over the cherry tomatoes, then return to the oven for 10 mins more until the tomatoes have softened and the vegetables are tender.
• Meanwhile, cook the couscous following pack instructions, then rinse and drain. To make the pesto, put the coriander and half the parsley in a bowl with the garlic, chilli, cumin, vinegar, oil and 25g of the pine nuts. Add 2 tbsp water, then blitz with a hand blender until smooth or use a small food processor.
• Toss the roasted veg and chopped parsley through the couscous and pile on the pesto, then scatter with the remaining pine nuts. If you're following the Healthy Diet Plan, serve half of the salad immediately then chill the rest for another day.

CHARRED POBLANO AND GARLIC PESTO

Steps:

• Heat a large cast iron skillet. Rub the chiles with oil and set in the skillet, skin side down. Add the garlic and scallions and cook over medium high heat, flattening the chiles with a spatula, until charred all over, about 6 minutes. Move to a plate; let cool slightly.
• Peel the chiles and garlic and chop. Move to a mini food processor. Add the scallions and cilantro; pulse until minced. With the machine on, add 3 tablespoons of oil and process to a coarse paste. Add the cheese; pulse to blend.
• Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!