Tangy Pumpkin Pesto Dip Food

SIKIL PAK

Steps:

• Preheat a comal (griddle or skillet) on medium heat. Spread the pumpkin seeds evenly, in one layer. Toast the seeds, flipping and stirring occasionally with a spatula. The seeds should be golden and crispy. Make sure they don't burn. Remove from heat and let cool.
• In the same comal, roast the tomatoes and chile habanero, still on medium heat until they are charred on the outside and soft to the touch. If the heat is too high, the tomatoes will not cook through. Let cool.
• Once cooled, place the toasted pumpkin seeds in the bowl of a molcajete (traditional Mexican volcanic stone mortar and pestle) and grind until very fine. Add the tomatoes and habanero pepper and break them down with the pestle. Once the tomatoes are crushed, using a circular grinding motion continue to work the mixture until smooth and emulsified. This entire step can also be done in a food processor.
• Mix in chopped cilantro, chives and salt to taste and serve directly in the molcajete with some crispy tortilla chips.

PASTA WITH PUMPKIN SEED PESTO

Steps:

• Bring a large saucepan of generously salted water to a boil. Drop the garlic cloves into the boiling water and boil for 30 seconds to temper their sharpness. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cloves to a food processor or blender.
• Drop the pasta into the boiling water and cook until al dente.
• While the pasta cooks, add the pumpkin seeds and a pinch each of salt and pepper to the garlic, and process until very finely ground. Scrape the sides of the bowl and add the basil. Scoop 1/4 cup water from the saucepan with the boiling pasta and pour over the basil. Process the basil until ground to a paste. Add the Parmesan and oil, and pulse just until incorporated. Taste the pesto and season with enough salt and pepper to make it punchy.
• Drain the pasta and rinse under cool water until room temperature. Shake dry, then return to the saucepan, and add the pesto and tomatoes, if using. Stir well until everything is evenly coated. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Divide among dishes to serve right away or airtight containers to pack for lunch. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and Parmesan, and serve, or cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

4 INGREDIENT PUMPKIN DIP RECIPE

Steps:

• In a large bowl, beat together pumpkin, vanilla pudding mix and pumpkin pie spice. Fold in Cool Whip.
• Keep in the refrigerator until serving and serve with graham crackers or ginger snaps.