| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 570 | 46g | 8g | 34g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 1g | 4g | 15g | 0.78g |
One of my favorite classic recipes conjures fond memories of time spent in my grandparents’ kitchen and is Wild Leek Pesto Pasta. It’s a wonderfully delicious and hearty meal that’s as nutritious as it is delightful. Drawing on the vibrant flavors of the Italian-American culinary tradition that I was steeped in while growing up in New Jersey, we take to the familiar and enrich it with the alluring aroma and taste of wild leeks.
An image is worth a thousand words, and this one certainly does justice to the dish:
The Charm of Homemade Pesto
The charm of any pesto dish starts with its sauce- a fine blend of herbs, nuts, garlic, cheese and oil, and this recipe replaces the traditional basil with wild leeks and adds a spritz of lemon juice for that tangy touch. Such an alteration creates an intriguing medley of flavors that’s all at once tangy, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy – an adventurous journey for the taste buds!
Similar to other Italian staples such as Aglio e Olio or Cacio e Pepe, the Wild Leek Pesto Pasta is deceptively simple. Yet, each bite reveals complex layers of flavour, encouraging you to return for more. Just like these Italian classics, the Wild Leek Pesto Pasta can be served as a main-meal pasta or even as a tasty addition to a more extensive menu, pairing brilliantly with dishes like chicken parmesan or a good old caprese salad.
A Feast for the Palate and a Boon for Health
While its delightful taste is a draw, the dish isn’t shy on delivering health benefits either. The fresh, sulfur-rich wild leeks are high in vitamin A, providing excellent benefits for your eyesight. They are also packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, known to enhance the immune system. Plus, the potential benefit of bad cholesterol reduction from the olive oil and pine nuts makes this dish a heart-friendly choice. Some studies even suggest that they can help with digestion and weight loss, making this pasta not just incredibly tasty, but also guilt-free.
Simmering these influences down in my kitchen, I find myself often returning to the Wild Leek Pesto Pasta. A testament to my family history and my love for tasty yet healthful foods, it’s without a doubt a recipe worth falling in love with.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of wild leeks (leaves and stems only)
- 1 cup of fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 cup of pine nuts
- 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound of pasta (your choice)
Method
Step One
Start by prepping your ingredients. Wash the wild leeks thoroughly, ensuring all dirt is washed off. You want to use both the leaves and stems here, so separate them from the bulbs if needed. Wash the fresh basil leaves and set aside. Peel the garlic and set aside. Also, make sure your Parmesan cheese is freshly grated.
Step Two
Next, you will start making the pesto. Place the wild leeks, basil leaves, garlic, and pine nuts into a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is roughly chopped. Once it’s chopped, add in the Parmesan cheese and pulse again until everything is properly mixed.
Step Three
Now, with the food processor running on low, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. After the olive oil is integrated, add the juice of one lemon. Add salt and pepper to taste. Keep processing until the pesto is smooth.
Step Four
While you are making the pesto, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Reserve half a cup of pasta water.
Step Five
Drain the pasta, but be sure to save a bit of the pasta water. Return the pasta to the pot. Add the wild leek pesto to the pasta and mix well. If needed, use the reserved pasta water to thin out the pesto and help it coat the pasta evenly.
Step Six
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve warm topped with extra parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delicious Wild Leek Pesto Pasta!
