Foodie Friday: Bowties with Broccoli Pesto

When you want a luscious homemade pesto long before basil comes into season, turn to broccoli. Here, cooked broccoli is blended with fresh mint and parsley for a bright, springtime take on the pasta sauce.

Ingredient List

Serves 9

  • 6 Tbs. blanched hazelnuts, plus more for garnish, optional
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 1/2 cups loosely packed parsley leaves
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbs. olive oil, plus more for drizzling, optional
  • 1/2 cup mint leaves
  • 4 tsp. lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 tsp. grated lemon zest
  • 1 1/2 tsp. capers, rinsed and drained, optional
  • 5 large garlic cloves, peeled
  • 12 oz. farfalle pasta

Directions

1. Toast hazelnuts in skillet 3 to 5 minutes, or until golden, shaking skillet often. Cool, coarsely chop, and set aside.

2. Meanwhile, bring large pot of water to a boil. Cook broccoli in boiling water 2 to 3 minutes, or until tender. Remove with slotted spoon. Drain, and rinse under cold water. Drain again.

3. Pulse hazelnuts, broccoli, parsley, oil, mint, lemon juice, lemon zest, capers (if using), and garlic in food processor until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

4. Cook farfalle according to package directions in broccoli cooking water. Reserve 1/4 cup cooking water before draining. Toss farfalle with pesto and pasta cooking water. Garnish with toasted hazelnuts, if using,
and drizzle with olive oil, if desired.

Nutritional Information

Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 261, Protein: 7g, Total fat: 13g, Saturated fat: 2g, Carbs: 32g, Cholesterol: mg, Sodium: 14mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugars: 2g

 Source:  VegetarianTimes.com

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