Whole-wheat Linguine with Green Pea Pesto
Whole-wheat Linguine with Green Pea Pesto Recipe - Authentic Italian Dish
Introduction
This Whole-wheat Linguine with Green Pea Pesto recipe is a fresh and flavorful twist on traditional pasta dishes. The combination of whole-wheat linguine, green peas, parsley, and basil creates a vibrant and nutritious pesto sauce that is sure to impress your taste buds.
History
This recipe is a modern take on classic pesto sauce, which originated in Genoa, Italy. Traditionally, pesto is made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. In this recipe, we use green peas as the main ingredient in the pesto, adding a unique twist to the dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454 g) whole wheat linguine
- 1 cup frozen green peas, thawed
- 1 cup packed flat-leaf parsley leaves (from 1 bunch parsley)
- 0.5 cup packed mint or basil leaves (from 0.5 bunch mint or basil)
- 1 tbsp capers
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 0.33 cup extra virgin olive oil
- sea salt, to taste
- freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 0.5 cup toasted walnut pieces
How to prepare
- Bring a large pot of water with salt to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook until it is cooked but still firm.
- Reserve 0.5 cup of the water used for cooking the pasta.
- Drain the pasta, then transfer it to a large bowl.
- Meanwhile, combine the peas, parsley, mint, capers, and lemon juice in a food processor.
- Pulse the ingredients together.
- While pulsing, gradually add the oil.
- Add salt and pepper, taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Toss the hot pasta with the reserved pasta-cooking water and pesto sauce.
- Top with toasted walnuts and serve immediately.
Variations
- Substitute the green peas with edamame or fava beans for a different twist on the pesto sauce.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp to the dish for extra protein.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to cook the pasta until it is al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the pesto sauce.
- Toasting the walnuts before adding them to the dish will enhance their flavor and add a nice crunch.
- Adjust the seasoning of the pesto sauce to your taste by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Whole-wheat Linguine with Green Pea Pesto with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to pulse the pesto ingredients in the food processor until they are well combined but still slightly chunky for texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use regular white linguine if whole-wheat linguine is not available.
- Substitute pine nuts or almonds for the walnuts in the pesto sauce.
Make Ahead Tips
The pesto sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the dish with fresh parsley leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and visual appeal.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair this dish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent the pasta from drying out.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
- Approximately 450 calories per serving
Carbohydrates
- Whole-wheat linguine: 75g of carbohydrates per serving
- Green peas: 21g of carbohydrates per serving
- Total carbohydrates per serving: 96g
Fats
- Olive oil: 14g of fat per serving
- Walnuts: 10g of fat per serving
- Total fats per serving: 24g
Proteins
- Whole-wheat linguine: 8g of protein per serving
- Green peas: 8g of protein per serving
- Total proteins per serving: 16g
Vitamins and minerals
Parsley and basil are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium.
- Green peas are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate.
Alergens
This recipe contains gluten from the whole-wheat linguine and nuts from the walnuts.
Summary
This dish is a good source of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and proteins, as well as vitamins and minerals.
Summary
This Whole-wheat Linguine with Green Pea Pesto recipe is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The combination of whole-wheat linguine, green pea pesto, and toasted walnuts creates a flavorful and satisfying pasta dish that is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It was a warm summer day, much like today, and I found myself wandering through the bustling farmer's market in search of fresh ingredients to inspire my next culinary creation. As I perused the stalls, I came across a vibrant display of plump green peas that caught my eye.
I struck up a conversation with the farmer who tended to the peas, and he shared with me his family recipe for a delicious green pea pesto. Intrigued, I eagerly scribbled down the ingredients and instructions in my tattered recipe notebook, unable to wait to try it for myself.
That evening, I set to work in my cozy kitchen, the savory aroma of garlic and basil filling the air as I blended together the fresh green peas, toasted pine nuts, and grated Parmesan cheese. The vibrant green color of the pesto was simply mesmerizing, and I knew I was onto something special.
But what to pair it with? I decided to toss the pesto with whole-wheat linguine, a hearty and nutritious choice that would complement the bright flavors of the pesto perfectly. As I twirled the strands of pasta and pesto together in a large mixing bowl, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and excitement at the delicious dish I had created.
As I took my first bite, I was transported back to that sunny afternoon at the farmer's market, the taste of fresh green peas and basil dancing on my tongue. I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my culinary repertoire, a dish that I would come back to time and time again.
Over the years, I have made this whole-wheat linguine with green pea pesto for countless family gatherings, dinner parties, and cozy nights at home. Each time, it never fails to impress and delight my guests, who always ask for the recipe so they can recreate it in their own kitchens.
I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe over the years, adding a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing kick and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. I have also experimented with different pasta shapes, from spaghetti to fusilli, each bringing its own unique texture and flavor to the dish.
But no matter how many times I make this dish, it always brings me back to that fateful day at the farmer's market, where I stumbled upon the recipe that would become a beloved favorite in my family for years to come. The memory of discovering this recipe will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy and creativity that cooking can bring into our lives. And for that, I am forever grateful.
Categories
| Basil Recipes | Caper Recipes | Healthy Recipes For Diabetic Friends | Italian Parsley Recipes | Italian Recipes | Lemon Juice Recipes | Linguine Recipes | Mint Recipes | Pea Recipes | Walnut Recipes |