Mexican Pesto Recipes

QUICK & SIMPLE PESTO (CLASSIC PESTO RECIPE) SAUCE

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in blender or food processor & cover.
• Blend on medium speed about 3 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape sides, until smooth.

PESTO

Steps:

• In a food processor, puree all ingredients. Refrigerate for several weeks or freeze in a tightly covered container. Toss a few tablespoons pesto with hot cooked pasta.

MEXICAN-STYLE PESTO WITH RICE OR WHOLE GRAIN PASTA

Steps:

• Set aside or prepare the stock.
• Char and blister the chile peppers by placing over a burner, an open flame or under a broiler, and turning until black. Place the charred peppers in a small bowl and cover until cool enough to handle. Peel and seed the peppers and add them to a food processor. Meanwhile, lightly toast nuts and add to the processor bowl. Add the cilantro, spicy greens, marjoram, garlic, cumin, lime juice, a splash of stock, salt, and pepper, then pour in about 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil and pulse the processor to form the pesto sauce. Place in a container, cover, and store in the refrigerator for a make-ahead meal.
• To serve, place the pesto in the bottom of a large serving bowl. Heat a large pot of water to a boil for pasta, salt the water and cook pasta to al dente. Just before draining, add a ladle of starchy cooking water to the pesto, drain the pasta and add the hot pasta to the serving bowl and toss 1 to 2 minutes, serve immediately with grated Manchego on top.
• Place the cheese rind, herb bundle, onion, celery, carrots, lemon rind, bay leaves, chicken stock, and water into a pot and bring to a bubble, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer at least 1 hour, and then remove the rind, herb bundle, and vegetables with a slotted spoon or strainer.

¿PORQUE NO? MEXICAN PESTO

Steps:

• NOTE: Pumpkin seeds are also known as "pepitas".
• Roast the cumin seeds and pumpkin seeds and set aside to cool. DO NOT burn.
• In mini-blender or food processor add all the ingredients and blend to a paste.
• Can also use a pestle and mortar or molcajete to blend the ingredients.
• Stir into cooked hot rice, noodles -- spread on bolillos -- .

MEXICAN FIESTA SOUP WITH ROASTED TOMATILLO AND CILANTRO PESTO

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place tomatillos on a small rimmed baking sheet. Roast in oven, turning once midway through, until they are softened and slightly charred, about 25 minutes. Remove from oven, and let cool slightly. Transfer to the bowl of a food processor; add cilantro, 1 garlic clove, and lime juice. Process until smooth and combined; set aside.
• Lightly coat bottom of a large nonstick saucepan with cooking spray. Add onion, remaining garlic clove, and diced jalapeno; cook, stirring occasionally, over medium heat until onion is softened, about 7 minutes. Add cumin, tomatoes, corn, and chicken stock. Bring liquid to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer until vegetables are tender, 12 to 15 minutes.
• Remove from heat; stir in 3 tablespoons reserved tomatillo mixture, and season with pepper. Add sliced avocado. Ladle into serving bowls; garnish with jalapeno slices, if desired. Serve with remaining tomatillo pesto.

THE BEST CLASSIC PESTO

Steps:

• Pulse basil and garlic in a food processor about 8 times until finely chopped. Add toasted pine nuts and salt; turn processor on low and drizzle olive oil through the chute until everything is incorporated. Add Parmesan cheese and lemon juice; pulse 2 times.