Looking for a new recipe for meatless Mondays, but want one that is quick and simple to make? Look no further, this is it. It's a 30 minute meal that is inexpensive to make and follows a healthy Mediterranean diet. Tip, don't skip the anchovy paste. It ad
1 lb. rigatoni
1/2 c. good quality grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 c. raw or roasted almonds
12 roasted garlic cloves, or 3 raw cloves
2 red chili peppers, stemmed and rough chopped, seeds and all (red jalapenos)
1 large handful fresh basil leaves
2 T. anchovy paste (or 4 whole anchovies) (Don't omit-it adds a special flavor)
1 heaping c. cherry tomatoes
big handful pitted green olives (or black olives if preferred)
olive oil
Garnish: grated Parmesan cheese, baby basil leaves, several roughly chopped olives, freshly ground black pepper
Cook rigatoni al dente, just shy of the package time, about 12 minutes.
While cooking pasta, put cheese, almonds, garlic, peppers, basil and anchovies into a food processor; pulse until well combined, about 20 pulses. Add tomatoes and olives; continue pulsing until everything looks evenly chopped, about another 20 pulses. Add a 'glug' of olive oil; pulse 1-2 times. There should be a nice, loose pesto. Season to taste with some salt and pepper.
Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Toss pasta with lots of pesto, maybe not needing all of it.
Serve hot, garnished with grated cheese, baby basil leaves, a few more rough chopped olives and lots of freshly ground pepper.
6 servings.
*If cooking for 1-2, store the pesto in a jar in the refrigerator and use as needed. It will keep at least 1 week, tightly covered.