PASTA WITH PISTACHIO AND MIXED HERB PESTO
I feel a certain excitement rising inside me now when September is almost here, I didn’t realize that I like that month this much until I ‘analysed’ this feeling and found that it is because it feels as the year starts anew again. I know we are many who share this feeling of being born again, schools starts, summer is over, I have far more energy now than in January when all I want is stay in bed with the duvet over my head until lovely spring arrives. September is also the beginning of the bad but it feels so far away right now so I cannot care less, new year I here I come.
Pesto is truly a saver when you are in a hurry but feel like eating something tasty, what is easier to quickly whizz (yes I know, it should be made with a pestle and a mortar but I am talking quick here, aren’t I? and then you whizz things together!) basil, pine nuts, parmesan, garlic and a good olive oil and just add freshly cooked pasta. But not everyone like basil, nor pine nuts or pesto as such. Or you might feel like changing the menu but still want something simple and herby, this is the time to try this pistachio pesto with herbs like thyme, rosemary and sage. I love it and I can tell you that this pistachio pesto can be used in a myriad of other ways as well.
PASTA WITH PISTACHIO AND MIXED HERB PESTO
4 servings
pasta for four
6-7 tblsp pistachio nuts, shelled
4 tblsp parmesan, freshly grated
2-3 tsp chopped mixed fresh herbs, for example rosemary, thyme and sage
1 pinch salt
6 tblsp extra-virgin olive oil
Start with throwing the pasta into boiling water.
While the pasta cooks, put pistachios, parmesan, herbs, salt in a blender and run while you add the olive oil gradually. If you want, blanch the pistachio nuts before putting them in a blender. Taste to check if salt is needed.
Drain the pasta and toss with the pistachio pesto in a bowl before serving.
L
Ilva, it’s simply amazing this recipe!
I have the same feeling every September, school, work after holidays, new ingredients and clothes… welcome Fall!
Y’day I was telling the same to my MIL that new year is almost there and her lobster party is nearing soon as she do lobsters for new years.
Never had pasta with pistachios love the idea.
Oh…..september…I feel the same as you..born to life again!
I love summer, and I love summer..ending! =P
Have a nice week!
Hey Ilva,
I love the begiining of Autumn too, everything feels like it is about to have the cobwebs blown out of it. Gone are the tired cold days of Winter, the fresh burst of Spring and the hazy/lazy days of Summer, and in it’s place we have Autumn, full of new life again and new colours with cool crsip sunny days to look forward to.
Cheers
Andrew x
Hi Ilva!
I am finally back on a laptop that has interactive capabilities. I’ve been on a Mac since last Christmas that wouldn’t show your user comments or allow me to comment – grrr, so frustrating! But fortunately I was able to see all your entries and lovely photos, and have tried many of your recipes. I especially loved your Swiss pix and passed them on to friends.
Coincidentally, I was looking for a pesto recipe today to use as a dressing in a potato salad, and I will definitely try yours with pistachios. Pine nuts tend to be very pricey outside of Italy, but pistachios are most affordable.
I love your take on September, but I suspect it has a lot to do with that parental feeling of newfound freedom – when the kids are finally back at school all day. In Paris, it’s referred to as ‘La Rentrée’ http://www.lapetitechinoise.com/2006/08/ when all the vacationing Parisians return to the city and life returns to ‘normal’!
I wish I could feel like you about September, but I don’t. It is just the other way round. I don’t get to stay home, I have to wake up early and I miss the summer time cuddles with my girls
But I am right there with you with the pasta.. It is beautiful and so is the bowl.
Oooh, I like the idea of using pistachios in pesto! This sounds great. (Sage is so underrated, isn’t it? I love it in pasta.)
I love September too, exactly for the reasons you mentioned…and I’m also loving this pesto