Vibrant Sunflower Seed Pesto Pasta Recipe

Today’s Recipe: Sunflower Seed Pesto Pasta

Hey there, foodies! Today, I’m excited to share a unique and vibrant dish that I whipped up in my kitchen. As the weather gets warmer, I find myself craving lighter meals with fresh flavors. That’s why I decided to create a twist on the classic pesto pasta by incorporating sunflower seeds for a nutty and rich sauce that’s perfect for spring.

To start, gather the following ingredients:

• 200g whole wheat spaghetti
• 100g sunflower seeds
• 50g fresh basil leaves
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 60ml olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For this recipe, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• food processor
• pot
• colander
• grater

Start by cooking the whole wheat spaghetti according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, toast the sunflower seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until they become golden and aromatic. This will enhance their nutty flavor.

Next, in a food processor, combine the toasted sunflower seeds, fresh basil, lemon zest, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Pulse the mixture until it forms a coarse paste. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to blend until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Once the spaghetti is cooked al dente, drain it in a colander and reserve a cup of the pasta water. Toss the pasta with the sunflower seed pesto, lemon juice, and a splash of the reserved pasta water. This will help the sauce adhere to the noodles and create a creamy texture.

Serve the sunflower seed pesto pasta hot, garnished with additional basil leaves and a sprinkle of sunflower seeds for added crunch.

This dish weighs approximately 600g when cooked and serves 4 people. Each serving is around 150g with an estimated calorie count of 350 per portion.

A unique tip for this recipe is to toast the sunflower seeds with a touch of honey for a sweet and savory twist on the pesto sauce. This adds a depth of flavor that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

I hope you give this Sunflower Seed Pesto Pasta a try and enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors it brings to your table. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own by adding your favorite veggies or protein. Happy cooking!