Italian Pea And Basil Soup With Parmesan Food

PASTA, PESTO, AND PEAS

Steps:

• Cook the fusilli and bow ties separately in a large pot of boiling salted water for 10 to 12 minutes until each pasta is al dente. Drain and toss into a bowl with the olive oil. Cool to room temperature.
• In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade, puree the pesto, spinach, and lemon juice. Add the mayonnaise and puree. Add the pesto mixture to the cooled pasta and then add the Parmesan, peas, pignoli, salt, and pepper. Mix well, season to taste, and serve at room temperature.
• Place the walnuts, pignoli, and garlic in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Process for 15 seconds. Add the basil leaves, salt, and pepper. With the processor running, slowly pour the olive oil into the bowl through the feed tube and process until the pesto is thoroughly pureed. Add the Parmesan and puree for a minute. Use right away or store the pesto in the refrigerator or freezer with a thin film of olive oil on top.
• Notes: Air is the enemy of pesto. For freezing, pack it in containers with a film of oil or plastic wrap directly on top with the air pressed out.
• To clean basil, remove the leaves, swirl them in a bowl of water, and then spin them very dry in a salad spinner. Store them in a closed plastic bag with a slightly damp paper towel. As long as the leaves are dry they will stay green for several days.

DITALINI AND PEAS

Steps:

• Cook 1 1/2 cups ditalini as the label directs. Cook 1 minced garlic clove in 3 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat, 4 minutes. Add 1 cup thawed frozen peas, 1/3 cup water and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; bring to a simmer, cover and cook 5 minutes. Puree the liquid, half of the peas and 2 tablespoons grated parmesan. Toss with the pasta and the remaining peas; season with salt. Top with basil and more parmesan.

PEA AND BASIL SOUP

Steps:

• Place a medium soup pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil, butter, onions, garlic, salt and pepper. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the peas and basil, and heat until the peas are thawed.
• Place the pea mixture in a blender. Add 1 cup of the chicken broth and pulse until pureed, adding more broth, if necessary, to puree. Return the pureed mixture to the pot. Stir in the remaining chicken broth and cream. Return the pan to medium heat and cook until hot, but not boiling.
• To serve, place the soup in bowls. Float a thin slice of fresh mozzarella cheese on top of each soup and sprinkle with the diced roasted red bell peppers. Serve immediately.

ITALIAN PEA AND BASIL SOUP WITH PARMESAN

Steps:

• Heat oil and add onion, celery, carrot and garlic. Cover pan and cook over low heat for 40 minutes, or until veggies are soft. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Add peas and stock to the pan. Bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat and add basil and seasoning. Simmer 10 minutes.
• Use a food processor or immersion blender to blend until smooth.
• Return soup to pan and reheat gently until ready to serve.
• Garnish with cheese and basil.

INSTANT-POT ITALIAN CHICKPEA STEW WITH PESTO

Steps:

• Make the pesto:
• Combine the basil, oil, cheese, garlic, and pine nuts in a small food processor or blender. Pulse until a coarse paste forms, adding a tablespoon or two of water or more olive oil, if necessary to get a loose-enough consistency. Set aside 1/3 cup of pesto for this recipe; the remainder can be refrigerated in an airtight container for a week or so, or frozen for several months.
• Soak the chickpeas:
• In a large bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon of kosher salt in the water. Add the chickpeas and soak at room temperature for 8 to 24 hours. Drain and rinse.
• Sauté the onions:
• Preheat the Instant Pot by selecting Sauté and adjust to More for high heat. Add the olive oil and heat until it shimmers. Add the onion and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion pieces separate and soften, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Pressure cook:
• Add the drained chickpeas, carrots, tomatoes with their juice, stock, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Lock the lid into place. Select Manual; adjust the pressure to High and the time to 10 minutes. After cooking, naturally release the pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure. Unlock and remove the lid.
• Serve the chickpeas:
• Ladle the chickpeas into bowls and top each with a spoonful of pesto. Sprinkle with the cheese and serve.