Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of pasta
- 1/2 cup of tahini
- 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup of pine nuts
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Food processor or blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a food processor or blender, combine the tahini, basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil. Pulse until smooth and creamy.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the tahini-pesto sauce until well coated.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
- Serve at room temperature
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Tahini can be substituted with almond butter or peanut butter.
- Pine nuts can be substituted with walnuts or almonds.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with nutritional yeast for a vegan version.
Variations:
- Add roasted cherry tomatoes or grilled vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use different types of pasta, such as whole wheat or gluten-free.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Reserve some pasta water to thin out the sauce if it's too thick.
- Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for extra nuttiness.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pasta in a large bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Pair with a glass of white wine or sparkling water.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Roasted broccoli with garlic and lemon
- Grilled asparagus with Parmesan cheese
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add more olive oil or pasta water to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, add more tahini or pine nuts to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the pasta until al dente to avoid overcooking.
- Store leftover pasta in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
- Tahini is a Middle Eastern condiment made from ground sesame seeds.
- Pesto originated in Genoa, Italy, and is traditionally made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, nutty, and herbaceous
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a main dish or side dish for lunch or dinner.
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