Simple Pea Pesto

This simple pea pesto pairs beautifully with pasta, is delicious on sandwiches and is great as a pizza sauce base. Frozen peas are a versatile ingredient and contain about 8 grams of protein per cup.

I served this pesto on pasta as I am a pasta lover. My go to brand for gluten-free pasta is @Catellipasta because it tastes just as delicious and flavourful as the real thing.

If you care to, please share your creations with me by using the hashtag #milkandmarigolds or tag your post on Instagram @milkandmarigolds

Prep Time: 10 minutes     Author: Milk & Marigolds.
Serves: 4 with pasta (easily scalable)

Ingredients:
Catelli Gluten-Free Spaghetti
1 cup peas (I used frozen)
1/2 cup (packed) fresh basil
2 tbsp lime or lemon juice (I used lime)
1/2 small garlic clove, finely grated
1/2 tsp table salt
1/4 cup + 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp water
A couple turns of black pepper
Optional: 1/2 tsp chili pepper flakes

Suggested Garnish:
Basil leaves
Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative)

Equipment:
Measuring cup
Food processor
Fine grater or microplane grater
Kitchen scissors or sharp knife
Spatula

Instructions:
1. Cook the peas (I cook them for 3 minutes in the microwave) and then rinse the peas under cold water. Salt a large pot of water if preparing pasta.

2. Meanwhile, get out your food processor and a fine grater or microplane grater. If you have neither, cut up half a small clove of garlic and mince it as finely as you can.

3. Once the peas have cooled, add them to the food processor along with the grated garlic, salt, pepper and pepper flakes. Do not add the basil, lime/lemon juice, water or the oil as of yet. Pulse until the peas are chopped but still have some texture to them. Use a spatula to scrap the sides of the processor to help evenly distribute the ingredients.

4. Then add in the lime/lemon juice and water and pulse a few more times.

5. Set aside a couple of basil leaves for garish. Roll the remaining basil leaves together and use kitchen scissors to cut the basil up into small pieces directly into the food processor. Pulse a few more times and then slowly add in a little of the olive oil at a time in-between pulses. Pulse until you’ve achieved a desired consistency. I personally prefer mine almost smooth.

6. Use your spatula to scrap out the pesto into a jar or container or use it right away. Mix the pea pesto with pasta, spread it on crusty bread, on a sandwich or use it as a pizza base. Garnish, and salt and pepper from a height.

Note: This pesto contains no dairy, so it freezes well.

Milk & Marigolds © Copyright 2015

 

Milk & Marigold’s Chickpea Curry

One of the best curries I have ever tasted, was piled high with fresh and crispy garnishes. The simplest of garnishes can really transform a meal into a beautiful one, while also elevating and enhancing the recipe’s flavours. Simple pantry items such as chilli flakes or fresh produce and herbs can add texture and brighten a dish in a flash.

This comforting curry is protein-packed and is perfect as a side or as a main when served with rice or warm fluffy naan bread. Read on for garnish suggestions and ideas.

Please follow my instagram account & recipes at: @milkandmarigolds

The “Keep it Flexible” Pesto Bean Salad with Fresh Basil & Radish

Serve it alone as a salad or on top of thick-sliced crusty bread topped with goat cheese. Don’t have cannelloni beans on hand? Switch them out for any other white bean like butter beans. Basil can also be substituted with any leafy green such as arugula. I like to keep this recipe simple by using store-bought pesto.

This easy to make recipe by Milk & Marigolds is spring inspired and full of freshness and flavour.  Follow my instagram account & recipes at: @milkandmarigolds 

Skinny Sumo Salad

Looking to step up your salad game? We have got you covered with this Skinny Sumo Salad.

Did you know that the Sumo is not an orange?
Although the Sumo’s appearance is gnarly, beyond the peel it is the sweetest and brightest citrus around. These gems are only available for a few months of the year from January to April and while they are more costly than the average citrus, Sumo Citrus is an absolute treat.

If Sumos are out of season or not within your budget, a combination of grapefruit and oranges will also pair lovely with these ingredients.

Sumo Citrus

Skinny Sumo Salad

 

Microgreens Salad with Crispy Tofu Croutons

Recently, while visiting my local health food grocer, I stumbled across a box full of bagged microgreens. I had never used them before so I decided to purchase them, as they were just too darn cute and colourful to pass up. Perfect as a garnish I thought to myself! Little, delicate edible gardens.

When I sprinkled the microgreens on my supper that evening, I was surprised by how flavourful they were. I took at closer look at the label to find that the mix comprised of baby sunflower shoots, pea shoots, radishes, beets, mustard, and kale.