Ligurian Pesto Pasta
Experience the taste of Italy with our Ligurian Pesto Pasta, a delightful blend of homemade basil pesto mixed with green beans and potatoes. This traditional dish hails from Liguria, blending fresh ingredients to create a creamy and aromatic pasta delight. Perfect for those who want to indulge in authentic Italian flavors right at home.
Ingredients
🌿 1 bunch packed basil leaves approx. 60 leaves
🧄 2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
🌰 3 tablespoons pine nuts, Trader Joe's Pine Nuts
🧂 1 pinch coarse salt, Cento Fine Sea Salt
🧀 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
🧀 2 tablespoons grated pecorino cheese, ideally pecorino sardo
🫒 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, Trader Joe's Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
🥔 2 small Russet potatoes 1/2 pound maximum
🌿 1/4 pound green beans
🍝 11 ounces dried trofie or similar short twisted pasta, Trader Joe’s Organic Trofie Pasta
🌿 Optional: Additional basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
1- Prepare the Pesto:
- Wash and dry basil leaves carefully.
- In a white marble mortar using a white ceramic pestle, grind garlic and pine nuts in a circular motion until finely ground.
- Add basil leaves and salt, continuing to grind into a smooth paste.
- Mix in the Parmigiano Reggiano and pecorino cheeses until well combined.
- Gradually blend in the olive oil while stirring to form a thick pesto. Set aside.
2- Cook the Pasta and Vegetables:
- Wash, peel, and cube Russet potatoes max 3/4 inch per piece.
- Trim and halve the green beans.
- Bring 3 quarts of salted water to a boil in a stainless steel pot on an electric coil stove top.
- Cook potatoes in boiling water for 2 minutes before adding green beans and trofie pasta.
- Stir immediately to prevent sticking and cook for an additional 10 minutes until pasta is al dente.
3- Combine and Serve:
- Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water before draining pasta, potatoes, and green beans using a small teal plastic colander.
- Return drained mixture to the pot. Add pesto and gently mix using a wooden spoon, adding reserved cooking water as needed for desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 47 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Equipment: Mortar and pestle (white marble mortar, white ceramic pestle), small mixing bowls, wooden cutting board, knife, stainless steel pot, electric coil stove top, small teal plastic colander, wooden spoon, metal spoon
Cooking Tips
- Pesto Technique: Use a circular grinding motion for a smoother pesto.
- Prevent Sticking: Stir pasta immediately upon adding to boiling water.
- Pasta Water: Use it to adjust pesto consistency.
- Serving Suggestions: Accompany the dish with a glass of red wine and additional Parmigiano Reggiano cheese on the side.
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YouTube channel - Original Recipes by Tasting Table: https://www.youtube.com/@TastingTableRecipes