Basil Cilantro Pesto Pasta..

I recently came across the recipe for pesto but was very hesitant in trying it out because of the strong flavour of basil..But then with an optimistic approach i finally made the pesto pasta for dinner tonite and was so pleased with my decision.
Both husband and myself just freaked over it and loved the blissful taste..
The fresh green aroma of the herbs and the richness of the nuts truly compliment each other!!
I have made some changes to the original recipe and here it goes for the Pesto sauce and the Pasta:

Ingredients for Basil Cilantro Pesto Sauce:

Cilantro(fresh) -1 cup

Basil leaves(fresh)-1 cup

Green chillies-2 nos.

Garlic-3 pods crushed

Almonds/Pecans /Pine nuts(slightly toasted)-1/2 cup (i used slivered almonds)

Olive Oil-1/2 cup

Lemon juice-2 tbsp

Salt to taste

Procedure:

Place all the above ingredients in a blender except the olive oil and grind into smooth paste adding the oil towards the end.

Ingredients for Pasta:

Capellini/Sphagetti/Angel hair pasta- 1/2 pound ( i used the racconto capellini whole wheat pasta as i prefer the whole wheat to the flour ones)

Water to cook

Salt to taste

Olive oil-2 tbsp

Procedure:

1.Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the packet.

2.Drain and set aside,do not rinse.

3.Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet and saute the pesto pasta for a few minutes.

4.Now add the cooked pasta and give the mixture a good toss so the pasta is evenly
coated with the sauce.

5.Sprinkle some crushed pepper and grated parmesan cheese on top....
n hear your tummy sing "yummy yummy yummy yummy yummy in my tummy"!!!

Wagon Wheel Pasta Salad..

Kids love pasta,dont they??and especially when the pasta shapes are so attractive to catch their attention,needless to say!!
I would like to share a simple pasta salad recipe which is very easy to make as well as please your kid's lunch menu!!
Here it goes:

Ingredients:

Piccolini mini wheels pasta:1 cup

Water-3 cups

Extra virgin olive oil-2 tbsp

Frozen peas and carrot-1/2 cup

Cherry tomatoes-halved-1/2 cup

Grated Mozzarella or Parmesan Cheese-1/4 cup

Freshly ground pepper and Salt to taste

lemon Juice-few drops

Procedure:

1.Bring 3 cups of water to boil and add the pasta to it.

2.Cook for about five mins with salt and one tbsp of olive oil.

3.The pasta should be cooked to al dente.

4.Drain and set aside.

5.Cook the frozen peas and carrot in boiling water for about 3 mins and drain.

6.Heat the reamining olive oil in a skillet and add the cooked pasta,peas and carrots,tomatoes and cheese and give it a good toss..

7.Season it some salt and pepper..

8.Remove from heat and add the grated cheese..

9.Transfer the pasta to a bowl.cover and refrigerate till its ready to be served..

10.This also serves as a great salad during parties and other occasions..