Ron Suhanoskys Mint Pesto Food

MINT PESTO PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the manufacturer's instructions for al dente pasta.
• Meanwhile, put the mint leaves, pistachios and garlic in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. While still pulsing, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Remove the lid and use your hands to break up the wedge of pecorino into small chunks and add them to the food processor along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse until well combined but there are still small pieces of pecorino throughout the mixture. (You do not want to blend too much because it will cause the mint to brown.) Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
• Transfer the pesto to a large high-sided skillet. When the pasta is cooked to al dente, use a large slotted spoon to lift the pasta out of the pot and directly into the skillet. Stir to combine. Turn the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until the excess water from the pasta has evaporated and some of the pecorino has started to melt, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and butter if using. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
• Transfer to a large platter and garnish with the grated pecorino and whole mint leaves. Serve warm or at room temperature.

ROSEMARY-MINT PESTO

Steps:

• Put the pine nuts in a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Add the mint, garlic, rosemary and 1/4 teaspoon salt and pulse until finely chopped. Add the Grana Padano and pulse to combine. With the motor running, slowly pour in the olive oil and process until combined. Transfer to a bowl.

FETTUCCINE WITH MINT-SPINACH PESTO

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs for al dente. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain and return to the pot.
• Meanwhile, toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until just golden, about 5 minutes. Let cool.
• Combine the almonds, spinach, mint and garlic in a food processor and process to make a slightly chunky paste. With the motor running, add the olive oil in a steady stream to make a smooth pesto.
• Add the pesto to the pasta along with the pecorino; season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat, adding the reserved cooking water as needed to loosen. Serve with more pecorino for topping.

PISTACHIO-MINT PESTO

Steps:

• Put the pistachios in a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Add the mint, garlic, lemon zest, red pepper flakes and 1/4 teaspoon salt and pulse until finely chopped. Add the Pecorino-Romano and pulse to combine. With the motor running, slowly pour in the oil and process until combined. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the olives.

RON SUHANOSKY'S MINT PESTO

Steps:

• Place all ingredients in the jar of a blender. Blend until smooth.

RISOTTO WITH FRESH BASIL-MINT PESTO

Steps:

• PESTO: In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, mint, garlic and lemon zest. Blend until smooth. Add the salt and pine nuts, pulsing until nuts are chopped.
• With motor running, slowly drizzle the lemon juice and 2 tablespoons olive oil through the feed tube until you have a smooth puree.
• Season pesto to taste with pepper and set aside. Pesto can be prepared up to 4 hours in advance. For best results, do not freeze.
• RISOTTO: In a saucepan, heat the remaining olive oil over medium-high heat. Saute the shallots until soft, approximately 2 minutes. Next, add the arborio rice, cooking until grains are opaque and "glisten", about another 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the rice, reducing heat if necessary!
• {{Slowly}} stir in 1 cup hot broth. Once broth is absorbed, add more broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring the rice constantly. Stir until liquid is absorbed.
• For the next step, add the boiling water in the same manner as the broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium. Stop adding water when rice is almost done- or "al dente". (That means you may or may not use all of the boiling water.).
• When rice is al dente, continue stirring constantly. Rice should look moist and not dried out;- the grains creamy looking.
• Keep stirring the arborio rice until thick and creamy about 5 minutes more.
• Season to taste with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
• To serve, divide the cooked risotto among 4 bowls and stir in 1/4 cup of the pesto into each bowl.
• Serve the Parmesan cheese on the side, if desired.

GOAT CHEESE TORTA

Steps:

• Line an 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-inch loaf pan with parchment paper; set aside.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter until smooth. Add goat cheese, in batches, and beat until well combined and no lumps of butter remain. Season with salt and pepper; beat until well combined.
• Divide goat cheese mixture into 3 equal portions. Using an offset spatula, carefully spread one portion of the goat cheese mixture over the bottom of the prepared terrine mold; top with pesto, spreading evenly to cover.
• Spread a second portion of goat cheese mixture on top of the pesto and top with jam, spreading evenly to cover. Top with remaining portion of goat cheese mixture; cover with plastic wrap. Transfer to refrigerator and chill until firm. Slice crosswise and serve with crackers.