Non-Traditional Pesto

I was craving pesto this afternoon but didn’t have any of the usual ingredients, so I came up with this version with what was available in the fridge! Turned out super delicious — definitely going to serve this during Lunar New Year’s this year.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups of snow pea leaves

• 2 small scallions chopped

• 4 garlic cloves + 2 tbsps oil

• 3 tbsps sesame seed paste (tahini)

• 1/4 cup grated parmesan

• 1/4 cup or more of olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 serving of noodles/pasta

• 1 tbsp butter (optional)

Instructions:

• Boil the snow pea leaves for 3 mins in heavily salted water.

• Drain and add to a food processor, along with scallions.

• Heat up the oil in a pot, then drop in the 4 garlic cloves. Fry until cloves are browned.

• Add the garlic cloves to the food process, then drizzle in sesame seed paste.

• Grate in the parmesan, add a pinch of salt and pepper, then your olive oil.

• Blend until smooth, adding a bit more olive oil for a smoother texture.

• Once blended, cook your noodles or pasta according to package instructions.

• Leave 1/4 cup of pasta water in the pan, then toss the pasta with the “pesto”. Add 1 tbsp of butter for a slight sweetness and gloss.

• Serve with more parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper.