16 November 2011

Pea and mint pesto


My favorite flavor combination of this year? Peas and mint, no doubt! For someone who hated peas as a kid, it's kind of funny that I now can't get enough of them, but it's true! If you need any proof, check out my Minty Pea Soup or my Pea & Mint Risotto, which were both big hits this year. The combination of peas and mint is technically a spring thing, as this is the season when peas are rife in the markets. But luckily for us all, frozen peas are available year-round and we almost always have a bag in our freezer.

This pesto can be whipped up in a flash anytime that you feel like having a snack or you're having guests over. You can also make a big batch ahead of time, freeze in ice cube trays and then in a plastic bag in order to have it on hand at all times. It tastes great spread on little slices of baguette or crostini or crackers and could also be a good dip for crudités



PEA & MINT PESTO
Makes a big batch

2 cups peas (defrosted if frozen)
1/2 cup mint leaves, chopped
1/2 cup grated Emmental or parmesan cheese
1 large garlic clove, chopped
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt, to taste
Red pepper flakes or black pepper, to taste

1. Pulse the peas, mint, cheese and garlic in a food processor until you have a coarse puree.

2. Gradually mix in the olive oil and continue to process until well mixed.

3. Season to taste with salt and red pepper flakes/black pepper.


A generous spoon of this pesto is also delicious mixed in with some pasta or gnocchi. We had it on gnocchi, topped with some red pepper flakes, for brunch this weekend, and it was just delicious!


Enjoy!

18 comments:

  1. How interesting! I've never had mint pesto, but I can imagine it to be a super-fragrant punch to an dish. :)

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  2. Great idea with the mint. I love it in soups so why not this pesto, too? Now this is a fun way to eat our greens, n'est-ce pas?

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  3. What a great winter pesto! I've had a dish with peas and mint before and loved it, so I would imagine that this pesto is excellent! Fabulous!

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  4. Wow this looks incredible and the colors are so vibrant! Love your pictures! :)

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  5. I made an egg dish a while back that had both peas and mint. I wasn't so sure until I bit into it. YUM. Great combination of flavors!

    I love pesto, as well, so I'm intrigued by this! Thanks for sharing!!

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  6. Very tempting pesto with mint and peas!- Mom

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  7. LOVE peas... and LOVE that you paired the pesto with gnocchi!

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  8. A pesto with mint.. very interesting... must be tasting delicious!!

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  9. Love the vibrant green, peas n mint is such a classic combo!
    USMasala

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  10. Never made, or tried peas pesto, but with the mint, I can only imagine the vibrant flavor on a crostini, and to make soup with it. I do love both, peas, and mint...so why not combine in a pesto?...genius!
    Hugs, to you Ramya!

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  11. first time here..love your space...amazing recipe collection with very interesting presentation.
    Am your happy follower now..;)
    do stop by mine sometime..
    Tasty Appetite

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  12. This sounds very good,n I love the color. So funny what we eat now compared to what we ate when we were kids. I made a pea pesto before that was very sweet from the peas.

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  13. This sounds delicious! I hated peas too as a child! I cannot wait to try this combo. Thanks!

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  14. oooh looks delectable! i love mint and im gonna try it this weekend..will go so well with pasta! yum..

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  15. Dear Mistress :) I tried out a baby-ized version of your pea and mint pesto (a bit of oil, but more water to get the texture) on Nathan today....success! He loved it on some toast. Next up..minty pea soup! I'll let you know how it goes :)

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  16. Nathan is a baby with good taste... peas and mint are a winning combo! Glad that he enjoyed it, hope he likes the soup too!

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