Parsley Pesto Pasta with Roasted Asparagus
When I think of summer, I think of asparagus and I think fresh green pesto. This pasta dish is a combination of both. I made a delicious parsley pesto which is very easy to make. I paired it with delicious roasted or grilled asparagus. It is a great side dish or a meal!
- 2 cups fresh parsley
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/3 cup pistachios
- Juice of half lemon
- ¼ to ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano
Transfer the parsley, garlic, pistachios and lemon juice to a food processor. Process till a smooth paste begins to form. With the top open, drizzle the oil till the pesto begins to form. Transfer to a small bowl and add the salt and cheese. Check for seasonings.
- 2 bunches asparagus
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Cut the ends off the asparagus and cut the tops into 2 inch pieces. Transfer to a lined cookie sheet. Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle salt. Mix well and roast in oven for 30 minutes for till golden brown. Take out and keep aside.
- ½ pound pasta, cooked al dente with 1 cup pasta water saved
Transfer pasta to a large frying pan. Add the pesto and the saved pasta water and stir over low heat till all the ingredients have come together. Fold in the roasted asparagus and check for seasonings. Serve with grated cheese.
Fennel Apple and Endive Salad
I am always looking for salad ideas in the summer to serve with grilled meats. This is a great one…
- 1 fennel bulb, core taken out, cleaned and sliced thin
- 1 medium Pink Lady apple, core taken out, sliced thin
- 1 green endive, cut in half and sliced thin
- 1 red endive, cut in half and sliced thin
Transfer all the ingredients to a salad bowl.
Orange Dressing
- Juice of 4 clementines
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Add all the ingredients to an airtight container and mix really well until all the dressing is emulsified. Pour on to the vegetables and toss well. Add salt and pepper if necessary.
Potato and Pepper Home Fries
I wanted to post this recipe for the longest time. I don’t end up making these home fries very often but they are so delicious… they deserve to be on this blog! Try this next time you are in the mood for eggs…
- 2 tablespoons extra light olive oil
- 6 to 7 green onions, whites and greens chopped and separated
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 3 to 4 medium yellow potatoes, chopped into ½ inch cubes
- 1 yellow or any color pepper, chopped
- Salt
Add the chopped potatoes to a medium saucepan. Top with water and bring to a boil. Drain and let dry.
Heat a cast iron pan with the olive oil. Add the potatoes and sauté on medium heat for 5 minutes. Add the whites of the green onions, garlic and yellow pepper and sauté for another 5 to 10 minutes. Add salt and the greens of the green onion. Check for seasonings and serve with brunch or breakfast.
Mexican Style Quinoa
I usually like to make some delicious Mexican rice with tacos. This time I decided to substitute quinoa. It came out delicious- no one commented on detecting any difference…
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon roasted cumin, powdered
- 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1 large shallot, chopped
- ½ yellow/orange/red pepper, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- ½ cup tomato puree
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 to 2 teaspoons salt
Heat a medium sized saucepan with the olive oil. Add the cumin and chipotle powder. Saute for 30 seconds. Add the shallot, ½ pepper and garlic. Saute for a minute on medium heat. Add the tomato puree and sauté for 1 minute. Add the quinoa, broth and salt. Bring to a boil and simmer till the liquid is cooked off on the surface. Cover with lid and lower the heat and cook for 15 minutes. Serve with tacos.
Avocado and Cucumber Guacamole
A bit of change from the regular guacamole- this one has cucumber in it. English cucumber adds a delicious crunch to this rich, yummy salad!
- 2 avocados, chopped
- ½ English cucumber, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- ½ cup cilantro chopped
- 1 to 2 teaspoons salt
- Juice of a large lemon or lime
Mix all the ingredients and serve with tacos.