| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 520 | 30g | 6g | 40g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 2g | 15g | 0.3g |
There’s always a little magic in combining the nostalgic comforts of pasta with the vibrant, unexpected twist of a fruit addition. Today, the allure resonates with this oh-so-delectable dish – the Pasta with Paracress Pesto. Such a delightful fusion of flavors might just become your next favorite.
From the Mountains to the Table
Raised amidst the hearty, rustic mountain fare of Colorado, I’ve acquired a deep appreciation for dishes that can fuel your body while delighting the palate. And it’s this philosophy that I bring to today’s recipe. The pesto, a pond of green goodness, is a celebration of Paracress – a lesser-known cousin of watercress originating from Brazilian landscapes, standing out for its peppery profile – gently tamed by the richness of roasted almonds and excellent Parmesan cheese.
Health in Every Bite
Rest assured this plate packs a considerable health punch as well. Paracress, like its more famous relatives, boasts high levels of Vitamin C, fiber, iron, and calcium. These nutrients combine to support robust immunity, a healthy heart, and even bone strength. Moreover, the harmonious marriage of almonds and olive oil delivers healthy fats that not only enrich the taste but also support weight management, brain health and potentially lower cholesterol levels. Click here and here for details on their stunning benefits.
Perfect Partners and Possibilities
If you’re finding the Pasta with Paracress Pesto quite inviting, let me assure you that it pairs beautifully with a glass of crisp, white wine. This recipe mirrors the culinary splendors of traditional Italian pasta dishes, which are renowned for their simplicity, wholesomeness, and tastefulness. Thinking of potential accompaniments? A fresh herb salad or a robust poultry dish such as chicken Marsala carries potential.
Finally, don’t shy away from experimenting. Feel free to substitute paracress with other peppery greens like arugula or watercress if that’s what you have on hand. And the beauty of the fresh fruit topping? It could be any fruit you fancy or whatever is ripened and ready in your fruit bowl. This dish, dear friends, is a dance between tradition and creativity, between comfort and excitement, and it’s inviting you to join in.
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb short pasta
- 2 cups of fresh paracress leaves
- 1/2 cup of roasted almonds
- 1 clove garlic, peeled
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup of mixed fresh fruit (to top pasta, suggest diced strawberries, peaches, or pineapple)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water (as needed)
Method
Step One
Start by cooking the pasta. Follow the instructions on the pasta’s package to cook until it’s al dente. Remember to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before you drain the pasta. Set the drained pasta and reserved water aside.
Step Two
While your pasta is cooking, prepare your pesto. In a food processor, combine the fresh paracress leaves, roasted almonds, and garlic clove. Process them until everything is finely chopped.
Step Three
Next, add in the grated Parmesan cheese and about a quarter cup of the extra virgin olive oil. Continue processing until the mixture becomes a smooth paste. If the pesto is too thick, gradually add in more olive oil, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Step Four
Once the pesto is done, season it with salt and black pepper, adjusting the flavors to your liking. Pour the pesto over your cooked pasta and gently toss until the pasta is well-coated. If needed, add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to make the pasta moister.
Step Five
Finally, top the pasta dish with your chosen mix of diced fresh fruit. Serve immediately and enjoy your Pasta with Paracress Pesto!
