Mexican Pesto Recipes

MEXICAN-STYLE PESTO WITH RICE OR WHOLE GRAIN PASTA

Steps:

• Set aside or prepare the stock.
• Char and blister the chile peppers by placing over a burner, an open flame or under a broiler, and turning until black. Place the charred peppers in a small bowl and cover until cool enough to handle. Peel and seed the peppers and add them to a food processor. Meanwhile, lightly toast nuts and add to the processor bowl. Add the cilantro, spicy greens, marjoram, garlic, cumin, lime juice, a splash of stock, salt, and pepper, then pour in about 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil and pulse the processor to form the pesto sauce. Place in a container, cover, and store in the refrigerator for a make-ahead meal.
• To serve, place the pesto in the bottom of a large serving bowl. Heat a large pot of water to a boil for pasta, salt the water and cook pasta to al dente. Just before draining, add a ladle of starchy cooking water to the pesto, drain the pasta and add the hot pasta to the serving bowl and toss 1 to 2 minutes, serve immediately with grated Manchego on top.
• Place the cheese rind, herb bundle, onion, celery, carrots, lemon rind, bay leaves, chicken stock, and water into a pot and bring to a bubble, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer at least 1 hour, and then remove the rind, herb bundle, and vegetables with a slotted spoon or strainer.

CILANTRO PESTO

Steps:

• Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender and pulse until mostly smooth.

MEXICAN-STYLE PESTO

Steps:

• Char and blister the chile peppers by placing over a burner, an open flame or under a broiler, and turning until black. Place the charred peppers in a small bowl and cover until cool enough to handle. Peel and seed the peppers and add them to a food processor. Meanwhile, lightly toast the nuts and add to the processor bowl. Add the cilantro, spicy greens, marjoram, garlic, cumin, lime juice, a splash of stock, salt and pepper, and then pour in about 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil and pulse the processor to form the pesto sauce. Place in a container, cover, and store in the refrigerator for a make-ahead meal.
• To serve, place the pesto in the bottom of a large serving bowl. Heat a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta, salt the water, and cook the pasta to al dente. Just before draining, add a ladle of starchy cooking water to the pesto, drain the pasta and add the hot pasta to the serving bowl and toss 1 to 2 minutes. Serve immediately with grated Manchego on top.;
• To make stock: Place the cheese rind, herb bundle, onion, celery, carrots, lemon rind, bay leaves, chicken stock, and water into a pot and bring to a bubble, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer at least 1 hour, and then remove the rind, herb bundle, and vegetables with a slotted spoon or strainer.

SUN-DRIED TOMATO PESTO

Steps:

• Place sun-dried tomatoes in a bowl and cover with warm water for 5 minutes, or until tender.
• In a food processor or blender combine sun-dried tomatoes, basil, parsley, garlic, pine nuts and onion; process until well blended. Add vinegar, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes and red wine, and process. Stir in olive oil and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt to taste.

FABULOUS CILANTRO PESTO

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta, and return water to a boil. Cook pasta for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente; drain well.
• In an electric food processor or blender, blend cilantro, garlic, vinegar, Parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper, nuts, and salt. Add 1/4 cup of the olive oil, and blend the pesto. Add more olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
• Pour pesto in a small saucepan and warm over low heat, stirring constantly, until pesto begins to simmer. Pour over cooked pasta and toss.