Rigatoni & Pesto alla Menta (Mint Pesto)is a plate of pasta to please Mom on her special day. A savory pesto made with fresh mint is another Little Jewel from the Bijouxs Kitchen, Italian Style.
MINT PESTO
I know you are thinking mint equals sweet? No, leave it to the Italians to make use of every herb in the garden, like mint, and spin it into a wonderful pasta dish. This pesto is a change from the classic Basil Pesto. Creamy and flecked with fresh mint, pine nuts and Pecorino Romano cheese spiced with a hint of marinated black pepper. A surprise winner. While in Italy I savored every variety of pasta dishes. I do remember a mint pesto dish and I went out searching for a recipe. Yes, mint pesto (Pesto alla Menta) is an Italian classic. This recipe is a simple one I found, with slight adaptations, it feel like the pasta I had in Italy.
COOKING ITALIAN
While in Italy I savored every variety of pasta dishes. I do remember a mint pesto dish and I went out searching for a recipe. Yes, mint pesto (Pesto alla Menta) is an Italian classic. This recipe is a simple one I found, with slight adaptations, it feel like the pasta I had in Italy.
COOKING THE SEASONS
This Spring I took a cutting from a friend’s mint plant. I always admired how lush and vigorous it was. Well, I planted a form of “super mint” that turned into mint gone wild. Living along the coast receiving a record amount of rain sent the mint taking over the entire garden. I harvested a huge crop of mint and will freeze some for later. A fresh mint pesto recipe came to mind, and here it is.
RIGATONI WITH PESTO ALLA MENTO
Sturdy rigatoni works well with this pesto. Fresh mint leaves are the star, yet they do not overpower the pesto and are NOT at all sweet. Classic pesto components such as garlic, pine nuts, and Romano cheese are included. There is bright bite from the marinated black peppercorns and red pepper flakes. Serve with extra cheese if desired. The pesto pairs well with soft cheeses, a topping for ripe tomatoes and of course on pizza.
As always, enjoy. B
