| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 12 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 540 | 40g | 8g | 35g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 4g | 18g | 0.75g |
Here’s a treat straight from the kitchen of your very own Gourmet Guru, sure to delight your palate and bring a fresh food experience on your plates – our deliciously fruity Perilla Pesto Pasta. Consider it a pastor’s potluck, a dish derived from the heartland, yet dressed in a gourmet glow, ready to strike a cord with food lovers far and wide.
Perilla: The Secret Freshness
What sets the Perilla Pesto Pasta apart is beyond just the unique harmonising flavours it offers. It’s the touch of refreshing Perilla. Native to East Asia, Perilla is imbued with a pleasant mint-like taste, with a subtle sweetness making it the ideal addition to this pesto pasta. It offers not only a fresh burst of flavour, but also comes packed with health benefits. Rich in calcium and vitamins, Perilla helps boost immune system while also ensuring a healthy digestion.
A True Farm-to-Table Experience
Just like my Corn Casseroles and Beef Stews back in Nebraska, the Perilla Pesto Pasta aims to capture the farm-to-table freshness – a sensation that leaves you craving more. The walnuts provide a comforting crunch synonymous with the heartland, while the sliced fresh fruits serve as the perfect reminder of nature’s bounty. This recipe holds the charm of a Nebraskan summer gathered around a large family dinner table, enjoying a meal together.
Adding to its appeal is the flexible nature of the Perilla Pesto Pasta. The added fruits can be of your choice, making each cooking experience unique. Don’t hesitate to experiment with grapes, apples, berries, or anything else your heart desires. Just remember to sprinkle them with a bit of lemon juice and honey for the perfect sweet-sour balance.
Perfect Pairings
If you love this pasta, then you might also find delight in Italian panzanella salad, possessing a similar fresh, fruity essence. Furthermore, our pasta pairs beautifully with a glass of white wine, complementing its fruit undertones and making for an elegant dinner. Whether it is a comfort meal on a lazy Sunday afternoon, or a celebration dinner, Perilla Pesto Pasta is more than capable of stealing the show.
So, step into your Kitchen, channel your inner Gourmet Guru, and get ready to impress with this masterpiece that is Perilla Pesto Pasta!
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup Fresh Perilla Leaves
- 1/2 cup Walnuts
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, finely grated
- 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes
- 3 cups Freshly cooked Pasta
- 2 cups Sliced Fresh Fruits (of your choice, like grapes, apples, berries etc.)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1 tablespoon Honey
Method
Step One
Start by making the perilla pesto. Place the fresh perilla leaves, walnuts, and garlic cloves in a food processor. Blend until the mixture is finely chopped.
Step Two
While continuing to blend the mixture, gradually add in the extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once thoroughly blended, add in the finely grated Parmesan cheese and blend until everything is incorporated.
Step Three
In a large bowl, add freshly cooked pasta and cherry tomatoes. Pour over the perilla pesto and mix until the pasta is well coated. Set aside.
Step Four
For the fresh fruit, slice your chosen fruits into bite-sized pieces and place them in a separate bowl. Add lemon juice and honey. Gently mix until all the fruits are coated.
Step Five
Plate the pasta, and top with the fresh fruit mixture. Add additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Your Perilla Pesto Pasta is now ready to be served and enjoyed!
