Carrotpistachiopestowithbulgurandchickpeas Recipes

CARROT TOP PASTA RECIPE

Steps:

• Wash, dry, and cut carrot tops: Cut carrot root from the stem*. If using carrots, wash the root and slice into small slices and set aside. Cut the carrot greens from the stem and place in a colander or bowl to wash, rinse well to remove dirt, then set aside to dry (about 20 minutes). Once dry, remove any remaining hard stems from carrot leaves.
• Prepare carrot top pesto: In a food processor or blender, add carrot greens, pine nuts or seeds, garlic cloves, olive oil, cheese or nutritional yeast, sea salt, and black pebber. Pulse to combine, adding more oil if needed, but keep pesto a thicker consistency.
• Boil pasta: Bring a large pot of water and a generous pinch of salt to a boil. Add desired pasta (we used rotini in recipe photos) and cook to al dente (or semi-firm) according to package instructions. Typically this means 8-10 minutes, depending on the pasta shape you choose (thicker pasta shapes require more time). When pasta is done, reserve ½ cup of pasta water and then drain pasta and set aside.
• Prepare pesto pasta: In a large pan over medium-low heat, add pesto to pan with a small amount of reserved pasta water and heat for 1 minute. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat it in pesto. Remove from heat and plate, then serve with sliced tomatoes, a sprig of carrot greens, and a sprinkle of vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast.

ROASTED CARROTS WITH CARROT TOP PESTO

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Trim and reserve the carrot tops. In a large bowl, toss the carrots with 2 tablespoons olive oil and the curry powder and salt. Arrange the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast until tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, 15 to 20 minutes. Sprinkle with the brown sugar and roast 2 to 3 minutes more. Remove and cool.
• In the food processor, pulse the walnuts a few times to break them up. Add the basil, carrot tops, honey, 3 tablespoons olive oil, a pinch of salt and 1/4 cup cold water. Pulse until combined but not completely smooth. If dry or too chunky, add another tablespoon olive oil or 1 to 2 tablespoons water to loosen. Transfer to a medium bowl. Taste for seasoning.
• Transfer the carrots to a serving platter. Stir the vinegar into the pesto and spoon the pesto over the roasted carrots.