Walnut & Leek Pesto Pasta

Instructions

1. Prepare Garlic and Leek Infusion

   3 min hands-on15 min waiting

   • Trim leeks and slice into rounds. Peel garlic cloves.
   • Place leeks and garlic in a saucepan with half of the olive oil. Heat over medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes until soft and aromatic. Avoid browning. Remove from heat and cool.

2. Toast Walnuts

   3 min hands-on

   • Heat a dry pan over medium heat. Toast walnuts for 2-4 minutes, stirring frequently until lightly golden and fragrant. Transfer to a plate to cool.

3. Blend Pesto Base

   4 min hands-on

   • In a blender, combine cooled walnuts and Parmesan. Blend to a fine crumble.
   • Add cooled garlic and leek mixture with two-thirds of the infused olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

4. Make Herby Chili Oil

   4 min hands-on

   • Remove stems from red pepper and blend with remaining infused olive oil until smooth.
   • Finely chop parsley and remove oregano leaves. Heat chili oil in a pan over medium heat, stir in parsley and oregano, and cook for 2-3 minutes until herbs release flavors.
   • Remove from heat, zest lemon into oil, add lemon juice, and stir. Set aside to cool.

5. Cook Pasta

   2 min hands-on

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve some pasta water and drain.

6. Combine Pasta with Pesto

   3 min hands-on

   • Return drained pasta to pot or bowl. Add pesto, tossing to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess. Adjust seasoning with salt.

7. Serve

   2 min hands-on

   • Divide pasta among bowls. Drizzle with herby chili oil. Garnish with parsley or Parmesan if desired.
   • Cooking tips:
   • For extra creaminess, gradually add pasta water to the pesto until desired texture is reached.
   • Ensure garlic and leeks do not brown during infusion to avoid bitterness.
   • For milder chili oil, reduce red pepper or deseed before blending.
   • Toast walnuts carefully to prevent bitterness; stir constantly and remove from heat when fragrant.
   • Use fresh herbs for chili oil to maximize flavor and brightness.