Over at Figs Olives Wine, Amanda offered up her delicious Green Pea, Escarole and White Bean Minestrone col Soffrito, for Freddie and his fellow pea-haters. At Hannah's Country Kitchen a warming Pea and Ginger Soup was stirred up to entice. And at Book the Cook, David had created the ultimate Pea-Ella, a Spanish tribute to the humble pea. Thank you!
Back at Pea Haters HQ, we had done a lot of thinking about what made the poor pea so loathed. Several comments left by you mentioned its strange popping texture, its squeakiness. I think you may have a point. And our Pea Pesto for Pasta helps to get round that. Freddie and Esme gave it 8 out of 10 and Jack and Alex ate plates full. So here it is...
Pea Pesto
This makes enough to serve 4-6
100g peas
1 clove of garlic, chopped
40g fresh basil
7 tbsp olive oil
50g finely grated parmesan or parmeggiano cheese
3 tbsp pine nuts
Cook pasta according to instructions
Cook the peas in boiling water for 5 minutes and drain. Transfer to a food processor or use a hand blender. Add the olive oil, chopped garlic, roughly chopped basil leaves and pine nuts. Puree in the processor. Stir in the finely grated parmesan cheese. Drain the pasta and coat thoroughly with the pea pesto. Serve.
Charlotte, what a fabulous recipe! This is something I really look forward to making. And such a brilliant way to get past the texture issues. Bravo to you both.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, I just commented on Amanda's blog what a great idea your blog is! Congratulations for embarking on such an adventure and helping some of us adults to eat our veggies too.
ReplyDeleteYou will be very happy to know that today I am going to make your pea pesto and have it with pasta, not sure yet if it's going to be penne.
Like some of your readers, I have issues with the popping :D
Actually I don't know if I have any basil but I know that I have cilantro. Hmmmmm, I'm going to try the combo and see how it works.
Thanks for the inspiration.
I would give the pea pesto a 10. Still think this is a wonderful way to get your kids to eat veggies. I must have done something right though..my daughter is 20 and loves vegetables!
ReplyDeleteInteresting. My 6 month old hates peas, and if she continues to, she's gonna get her a big old bowl of this. In a few more months, that is.
ReplyDelete[she also hates avocado, recently re-coined 'avo-crappo' - which may meet a similar fate...in pesto]
Kevin
ReplyDeleteAvo-crappo is a brilliant name.
Pesto sauces are a great way of encorporating vegetables - you still end up eating loads of them but it doesnt feel like you have!
Cynthia,
We must send you some basil seeds to grow your own basil...
Tell me how you get on.
Valli,
It makes me feel more confident knowing that parents like you say "well my child is 20 now and turned out ok." In our heart of hearts we all know that really but it doesnt stop you worrying!
Amanda,
Thanks for your comments on the pea pesto - I appreciate that.
Hi Charlotte and Freddie - I have nominated you for an award! Pop by to collect it when you have time
ReplyDeleteHannah
xxx
I love pea pesto, I make it quite often and share it around! It is great on pasta, but I like it on bruschetta best!
ReplyDeleteHoller - I hadnt thought of doing that - what a good idea. Do you add anything else or just plain bread with the pea pesto?
ReplyDeleteHey Charlotte, I like to add mushrooms and mozzarella. I have to to rub lots of garlic on my toasted bread first! Yum!
ReplyDeleteLove this site! Thanks for the great recipes and ideas.
ReplyDeleteAmazing! We just had our first Pea Party. These recipes are fabulous and my kids LOVED the pea pesto. Thanks so much. I love your site!
ReplyDeleteYum! The pea pesto is delicious, but best of all it's quick and easy! My kids love it!
ReplyDelete