Saturday, June 27, 2009

Arugula Spinach Pesto on Penne



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For some reason, we had two bins of arugula and spinach mix languishing in the fridge. I think perhaps it was supposed to be used for a gathering, but obviously never was.

In any case, we didn't think we could eat all that as "salads", especially since their demise seemed fast-approaching, so we had to think of a way to use up the whole bunch quickly.

Why not a pesto? That definitely needs a whackload of greens.



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No recipe here. I simply buzzed together the arugula and spinach with a lot of garlic, some lemon juice, salt, and extra-virgin olive oil. I added some pine nuts as well.

For some reason, I reached for the blender instead of the food processor, resulting in a very smooth pesto (instead of the usual pesto texture I'm used to). But, it wasn't bad at all and it grew on me. Who can resist its electric green color?

I tossed some penne with the arugula spinach pesto, and topped it with some grated Parmigiano Reggiano. Perfect for a light meal.



[ts]
But as you know, light meals seem to be impossible in our household. So, lookee there in the background. What is that? That post is coming up next.

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10 comments:

  1. I love using greens for pesto when my basil stash is low! Looks great!

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  2. I love the vibrant green colour. Yum!

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  3. Pesto pasta is my hubby's favourite. The Parmigiano Reggiano on top makes the dish more appetizing! Luv it!

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  4. That's why pestos are just fabulous - they're versatile, variable, and a PERFECT way to rid yourself of leftover herbs and greens! I do the ol' freezing in ice cube trays thing, and I think we just *finally* finished off the last of our 2008 pestos about a month ago....

    Oh, and the green? Loving it. I have affectionately renamed this, "Incredible Hulk Penne".

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  5. I adore arugula and frankly have never thought of making a pesto with it. Thanks for the inspiration, I am going to get some next weekend and make this.

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  6. both of you eats good everyday, i don't have the energy to cook but would love to eat anything.

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  7. Dragon:
    pigpigscorner:
    I was a little surprised at the color that came out!

    Food For Tots:
    Wonder if he'll like an arugula pesto!

    Choosy Beggar Tina:
    Oh, I love that name! Haha.

    Kim:
    Ooh, nice. I wonder if it's going to be better roughly processed, or processed into a smooth "pesto."

    Mareza:
    Oh, we only hope that we could cook for someone like you who will eat anything! =)

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  8. Ooh I love the sound of an aurugla pesto. Delicous

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