love.life.eat
a relentless pursuit of the perfect home + dish
whole wheat pasta with walnut + pistachio pesto
The morning is somber, dreary and cold, yet I walked into the office radiating warmth. Amidst all of the frenzy and noise I’m thinking about how I can bring space and quiet into every moment of my day. I’m even considering taking evening breaks from technology in an effort to refuel and rejuvenate. I’ve so many books to read, magazines to explore and movies to watch, I think there’s something to disconnection. Lately I’ve been thinking about how I can expand my thinking by reading outside of my comfort zone. Overseas newspapers, political publications — I’m swathing myself in great thinking, allowing that to light the way.
Luckily I am coming home to this tonight. A warm bowl of pesto pasta, a hot shower, a fine film.
INGREDIENTS
1 lb whole wheat penne
2 cups packed basil leaves
1/4 cup walnuts
1/4 cup pistachios
1/4 cup + 2 tbsp olive oil
2 fat cloves of garlic
1/4 tsp Kosher salt
1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
1/4 cup sundried tomatoes, packed in olive oil (optional)
2 tbsp reserve pasta water
DIRECTIONS
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. While your water is bubbling, blitz your nuts, basil and garlic until it’s a thick paste. Feel free to toss in the sundried tomatoes if you’re aching for a little color and texture. However, if you do, dial down the salt as the tomatoes tend to be a tad on the salty side. Stream in the olive oil (adding more based on your desired consistency) and then add the salt + pepper, to taste. Set aside.
Once the water is at a bowl, toss in your pasta and cook to al dente, saving 2 tbsp of pasta water aside. This will make your soft satiny and creamy without adding cream. I could possibly go on for hours on how cream simply ruins the nuanced flavors of a perfect pesto, but I’ll spare you the agony and just say this: YOU DON’T NEED CREAM.
Once the pasta is done, drain and add your pesto and reserve water to the pot. Serve with some pecorino romano or gruyere, if you please.
Don’t sweat it! You ‘da bomb! ‘Jeal peeps get like that. Continue to rise above and follow your spectacular path!
This looks absolutely delicious! I’ll have to mix in pistachio’s next time I make pesto. Great idea.
-JulieC
You’re quite welcome, Julie. Thanks for popping by!
OH fantastic. I think the use of wholewheat pasta really takes the look of this dish to the next level and it tastes yummy.