Apr 05 , 2020
Smashed pea pesto "noodles"
Pound the garlic with a little pinch of salt, the mint, basil and parsley in a pestle and mortar, then add the peas and continue to pound until they break down. Alternatively pulse in a food processor. Fold in the avocado and crush lightly with the pestle until combined but still with some texture. Turn out into a bowl and gently add oil — you need just enough to bind the sauce and get it to an oozy consistency. Taste it for seasoning. It will need approx ¼ teaspoon sea salt flakes or a little more if the peas are really sweet. Pour in some more oil if needed and add bit of nutritional yeast if you wish. Add the lemon juice and a teaspoon of zest and mix together.
It makes use of the courgette flowers. It could be deemed frivolous to sacrifice a potential courgette but by the time you’ve had courgettes 10 different ways you might feel a little differently. The flowers make any dish look rather lovely and when it comes to your meals, looks do count. If you’ve never tried courgette flowers give it a go, they taste great on their own stuffed with nut cheese or this basil and avo pea pesto" From The Unbakery
For the zucchini noodles
4 Zucchini, used up to 5, small-medium size, yellow or green, ends trimmed
1 handful Mint, torn
1 handful Basil, torn
1 handful Parsley, torn
2 handfuls Sugar snaps, or use snow peas, sliced lengthways
1 handful Rocket
1 handful Baby spinach
¼ cup Green olives, whole, slice the flesh off the stone after measuring (the Sicilian ones have a nice grassy flavour)
4 Courgette flowers, use up to 6
¼ cup Pine nuts, lightly toasted
Basil and avocado pea pesto
½ cup Peas, freshly podded (or use frozen)
1 clove Garlic, crushed
3 large handfuls Basil, and parsley, leaves picked and chopped (you could use
Method:
Spiralise the zucchini to make zucchini noodles. If you don't have a vegetable spiraliser you can use a peeler to cut the courgette into wide strips then julienne with a knife. Set aside.
Coat the zucchini noodles with the pesto. It should be reasonably easy to coat and not form clumps — if it does, add a little more olive oil or lemon juice to get things moving.
Gently fold through the herbs, sliced sugar snaps, rocket, spinach and olives. Serve topped with pine nuts and courgette flowers.
To make the pesto
Blanch the peas in hot water for 2 minutes. Drain and place in ice water. If using frozen peas, place in a bowl and cover with boiling water for 2 minutes.