Pistachio Pesto On Penne Food

PISTACHIO PESTO PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions.
• While the pasta is cooking, make the pistachio pesto. Combine the pistachios, basil, olive oil, Parmesan, garlic, lemon zest and juice and some salt and pepper in a food processor and process until well combined.
• Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and drain the pasta. Toss the pasta with the pistachio sauce, thinning with the pasta water for the desired consistency if necessary. Serve with more Parmesan and basil leaves.

PISTACHIO MIXED HERB PESTO

Steps:

• Into a blender with the motor running, add the garlic and pulse until finely chopped. Add all of the herbs, cheese, pistachios, salt, and pepper to the blender, and blend until finely chopped. With the blender running, add the olive oil in a steady stream until the mixture becomes creamy and emulsified.
• Serve over pasta or use as topping for bruschetta.

SICILIAN PASTA WITH CREAMY PISTACHIO SAUCE

Steps:

• Place the chopped pistachios in a dry pan and toast them until fragrant.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until very al dente, about 2 minutes less than the suggested cooking time. Reserve some of the cooking water.
• Meanwhile, heat a skillet large enough to hold the pasta, on medium high heat. Add the cubed pancetta and cook, stirring, until it has rendered it's fat and is crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer the pancetta to a bowl.
• Add the diced onion to the pan. Cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in about 1/2 of the crushed pistachios and stir to coat.
• Pour in the cooking cream and cook on medium heat for 1 minute.
• Drain the pasta and add to the skillet. Stir in the reserved pancetta and toss to coat the pasta in the cream sauce.
• Add 2 tbsp. of grated cheese to create a creamier consistency. If the sauce is too thick, add a ladle or two of pasta water to thin it as necessary
• Serve immediately garnished with the remaining chopped pistachios and extra grated cheese at the table.

PISTACHIO PESTO

Steps:

• Put all of the ingredients in the food processor or blender and puree until smooth.
• Start with 1/4 cup oil adding more if you need.