This is the time to harvest your basil.

What a treat.

I love pesto and I don’t even measure anymore when I make it but this is a good approximation.

4 cups washed basil you can even use the tender stems

4 cups Italian parsley use the tender stems too

2 cups baby arugula

8 to10 cloves garlic depending on their size

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup canola oil

3/4 cup good olive oil

1 cup parmesan cheese

3/4 teaspoon black pepper

Juice of one small lemon or 1/2 large lemon

This takes two minutes in the food processor.

Put the garlic and salt in the processor bowl and process till it is almost smooth

Add the basil, arugula, lemon juice and parsley

Process three or four spins

Add all the oil and process till it is incorporated.

Maybe six to eight spins

Add the cheese and pepper

Taste to see if you need more salt.

Process just so the cheese is blended.

This makes about 30 ounces maybe more.

Cook two pounds of pasta.

Use whatever shape you have.

1 1/2 to 2 cups frozen peas. Cook in the microwave till they are hot.

Take 1 1/2 cups of the pesto and mix it with the cooked pasta

Add the peas

Spoon extra pesto on top

Serve with extra cheese.

Use the zest of the lemon for garnish.

This is worth breaking my carb free diet.

Published by cmangoff

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