Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of pasta
- 2 cups of fresh land cress leaves
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup of pine nuts
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Food processor or blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor or blender, combine the land cress leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and minced garlic. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
3. With the food processor or blender running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth and well combined.
4. Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot.
6. Add the pesto to the pasta and toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
- Serve hot
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 500
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 12g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Land cress can be substituted with arugula or basil.
- Pine nuts can be substituted with walnuts or almonds.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.
Variations:
- Add cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and color.
- Substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Tips and tricks:
- Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before adding them to the pesto for extra flavor.
- Reserve some of the pasta cooking water to add to the pesto if it's too thick.
- Make extra pesto and freeze it for later use.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pasta in a large bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped land cress leaves.
Garnishes:
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Chopped land cress leaves
- Cherry tomatoes
- Roasted red peppers
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pesto is too thick, add some of the pasta cooking water to thin it out.
- If the pasta is too dry, add more pesto or a drizzle of olive oil.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash the land cress leaves thoroughly before using them in the pesto.
Food history:
- Land cress is a leafy green that has been used in cooking for centuries. It was popular in medieval times and was believed to have medicinal properties.
Flavor profiles:
- Land cress has a peppery, slightly bitter flavor that pairs well with the nuttiness of the pine nuts and the saltiness of the Parmesan cheese.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the pasta as a main course for lunch or dinner.
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Region: Italian