Refreshing Mint Pesto Recipes

MINT PESTO

Steps:

• Add the mint, parsley, pistachios, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, garlic, and 4 tablespoons of cold water to your blender.
• Blend on medium speed (see notes) until the pesto is mostly smooth. Add additional water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed to thin the pesto and help it blend.

MINT PESTO PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the manufacturer's instructions for al dente pasta.
• Meanwhile, put the mint leaves, pistachios and garlic in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. While still pulsing, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Remove the lid and use your hands to break up the wedge of pecorino into small chunks and add them to the food processor along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse until well combined but there are still small pieces of pecorino throughout the mixture. (You do not want to blend too much because it will cause the mint to brown.) Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
• Transfer the pesto to a large high-sided skillet. When the pasta is cooked to al dente, use a large slotted spoon to lift the pasta out of the pot and directly into the skillet. Stir to combine. Turn the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until the excess water from the pasta has evaporated and some of the pecorino has started to melt, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and butter if using. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
• Transfer to a large platter and garnish with the grated pecorino and whole mint leaves. Serve warm or at room temperature.

SPAGHETTI WITH PEA & MINT PESTO

Steps:

• Cook the peas in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until just tender, then drain and refresh in cold water. Pat dry.
• Tip the peas into a food processor and add the garlic, pine nuts, parmesan, mint and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, then pulse very briefly until the ingredients are roughly chopped. Don't overdo it - they should still have lots of texture. (You can freeze the pesto at this point.)
• Cook the spaghetti according to packet instructions until al dente - that's with a bit of bite still. Drain, reserving some of the cooking water.
• To serve, toss the spaghetti with the pesto and about 2 tbsp of the water. Pile into warmed bowls and serve at once, with parmesan and olive oil at the table.

EVAN'S MINT PESTO

Steps:

• Combine mint, nuts, and Romano cheese in a small food processor and process until well blended. Add oil and process until blended. Add cream slowly, blending well, to taste.
• Serve immediately; refrigerate or freeze any leftovers.

RON SUHANOSKY'S MINT PESTO

Steps:

• Place all ingredients in the jar of a blender. Blend until smooth.

MINT PESTO

Steps:

• In a food processor, combine mint and almonds; process until finely chopped.
• With motor running, gradually pour oil through the feed tube. Season with salt. Keep at room temperature until ready to serve.