| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 543 | 35g | 8g | 46g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 3g | 15g | 0.7g |
There’s something incredibly special about the Sorrel Pesto Pasta recipe. It perfectly straddles both my Pacific Northwest upbringing and my Japanese roots, using fresh produce such as sorrel leaves and basil, reminiscent of the lush greenery so abundant in Seattle, and incorporating the delightful umami twist with the use of Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes and a zesty touch of lemon. I have cooked this dish using ingredients picked right from my mother’s flourishing garden, back when I was a kid. The memories engraved in each bite never fail to warm my heart.
An Ode to Fresh Ingredients
The Sorrel Pesto Pasta isn’t just a feast for the eyes and palate, it’s also wonderfully kind to your health. Sorrel is a powerhouse of nutrients, packed with vitamin C, B-group vitamins, and a host of beneficial minerals such as potassium, magnesium and calcium. Combined with the antioxidant-rich basil, heart-friendly olive oil, and protein-packed walnuts, this dish is everything a nutritionist would endorse. Plus, it certainly doesn’t hurt that the fusion of these natural flavors forms an irresistible combination.
Mastering The Balancing Act
Believe me, creating this dish feels just like painting a canvas. The ingredients, each with its unique feature, color, and aroma, join together to form a riot of flavors. The earthiness of the walnuts, the freshness of the sorrel and basil, the tang of the lemon zest, and the briny flare from the olives and Parmesan – they all create an intricate dance that speaks of balance and harmony.
Our Sorrel Pesto Pasta aligns closely with the traditional Italian Spaghetti al Pesto, which highlights the same respect for natural, elemental flavors. But it also adds in a few extra layers of depth with the addition of sun-dried tomatoes and Kalamata olives. And if you’re looking to make it a truly indulgent meal, why not pair it with a light arugula salad or a hearty pan-seared halibut?
Recapping on the Sorrel Pesto Pasta, it’s a tribute to my dual heritage, a celebration of fresh, fragrant ingredients, and a plate bursting with vibrant flavors and textures. Pure, honest cooking that soothes the soul and nurtures the body – truly, what’s not to love?
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups fresh sorrel leaves
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb spaghetti
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/3 cup pitted Kalamata olives
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Method
Step One
Prepare your ingredients by washing the fresh sorrel leaves and basil. Remove the stems and get them ready for the food processor. Make sure your walnuts are ready and your garlic cloves are peeled. Grate the Parmesan cheese if it’s not pre-grated and take out your extra virgin olive oil.
Step Two
Start making the pesto by placing the sorrel leaves, fresh basil, walnuts, and garlic in a food processor. Blend them together until they reach a green paste-like consistency.
Step Three
Now add the grated Parmesan cheese and the olive oil to the food processor. Continue to blend until well-combined. Add salt and pepper to taste and adjust according to your preference. Set aside your freshly made pesto.
Step Four
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta, but reserve around 1 cup of pasta water for later use.
Step Five
Now it’s time to combine everything. In a large bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti in the pesto. Gradually add the pasta water if needed to make sure the pasta is evenly coated with the pesto.
Step Six
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and pitted Kalamata olives to the pasta. Stay generous as these will add extra texture and flavor to the meal.
Step Seven
To finish, zest and juice 1 lemon over the pasta. Mix well to combine and distribute the flavors evenly.
Step Eight
Serve immediately while hot. Enjoy your delicious Sorrel Pesto Pasta!
