This simple pea pesto pairs beautifully with pasta, is delicious on sandwiches and is great as a pizza sauce base. Frozen peas are a versatile ingredient and contain about 8 grams of protein per cup.

I served this pesto on pasta as I am a pasta lover. My go to brand for gluten-free pasta is @Catellipasta because it tastes just as delicious and flavourful as the real thing.

If you care to, please share your creations with me by using the hashtag #milkandmarigolds or tag your post on Instagram @milkandmarigolds

Simple Pea Pesto

Prep Time: 10 minutes     Author: Milk & Marigolds.
Serves: 4 with pasta (easily scalable)

Ingredients:
Catelli Gluten-Free Spaghetti
1 cup peas (I used frozen)
1/2 cup (packed) fresh basil
2 tbsp lime or lemon juice (I used lime)
1/2 small garlic clove, finely grated
1/2 tsp table salt
1/4 cup + 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp water
A couple turns of black pepper
Optional: 1/2 tsp chili pepper flakes

Suggested Garnish:
Basil leaves
Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative)

Equipment:
Measuring cup
Food processor
Fine grater or microplane grater
Kitchen scissors or sharp knife
Spatula

Instructions:
1. Cook the peas (I cook them for 3 minutes in the microwave) and then rinse the peas under cold water. Salt a large pot of water if preparing pasta.

2. Meanwhile, get out your food processor and a fine grater or microplane grater. If you have neither, cut up half a small clove of garlic and mince it as finely as you can.

3. Once the peas have cooled, add them to the food processor along with the grated garlic, salt, pepper and pepper flakes. Do not add the basil, lime/lemon juice, water or the oil as of yet. Pulse until the peas are chopped but still have some texture to them. Use a spatula to scrap the sides of the processor to help evenly distribute the ingredients.

4. Then add in the lime/lemon juice and water and pulse a few more times.

5. Set aside a couple of basil leaves for garish. Roll the remaining basil leaves together and use kitchen scissors to cut the basil up into small pieces directly into the food processor. Pulse a few more times and then slowly add in a little of the olive oil at a time in-between pulses. Pulse until you’ve achieved a desired consistency. I personally prefer mine almost smooth.

6. Use your spatula to scrap out the pesto into a jar or container or use it right away. Mix the pea pesto with pasta, spread it on crusty bread, on a sandwich or use it as a pizza base. Garnish, and salt and pepper from a height.

Note: This pesto contains no dairy, so it freezes well.

Milk & Marigolds © Copyright 2015