Healing Almond Pesto Pasta

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Healing Almond Pesto Pasta

 

1 pound whole wheat penne, or other pasta shape

1 1/2 pounds fresh peas, or frozen peas

1/2 cup blanched almonds

zest and juice of 1 lemon

1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves

1/4 cup olive oil

salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste

 

 

 

1. In a large pot of rapidly-boiling salted water, cook the pasta al dente

according to the package directions. About a minute before the pasta is done,

add half the peas. Drain pasta and peas, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and

return the pasta-pea mixture to the pasta pot.

 

2. Using a food processor, grind the almonds finely. Add the lemon juice and

zest, the remainder of the peas, parsley, and salt to taste. Process until

combined, then--with the motor still running--add the oil gradually and process

until the mixture is smooth.

 

3. Add pesto to pasta, tossing to combine, and adding reserved pasta water as

needed to make the sauce the consistency you like. Season with salt and pepper

to taste, transfer mixture to a serving bowl, and serve immediately.

 

Serves 6.

 

Source: Care2 Staff

Formatted by Chupa Babi: 02.27.08

 

According to a noted naturopath, almonds have the perfect blend of essential

fatty acids and vitamin E for the human body, making it a natural immune-booster

and powerful ally for better health. Certainly almonds are high in vitamin E,

magnesium, and potassium, and studies suggest that they offer cardiovascular

benefits by reducing bad cholesterol and helping to prevent high blood pressure

and heart disease--making them a great addition to our health-conscious diet.

SIMPLE SOLUTION: In this luscious recipe, almonds add toothsome texture and

nutty flavor--as well as their healing magic--to a lemony pesto made with fresh

or frozen peas and fresh parsley, transforming pasta into an early-summer

delight that is as good for you as it is delicious and easy to make. And did you

know that " pesto " means " pounded, " from the days when it was made in a mortar

and pestle? But we can use a food processor or blender instead!

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