Snap Peas And Green Beans With Arugula Mint Pesto Recipes

Steps:

• To prepare the penne:
• In a large saucepan of salted boiling water blanch the sugar snap peas for 45 seconds, or until they are crisp-tender, transfer them with a skimmer to a large serving bowl, and toss them with 1/2 cup of the pesto. In the boiling water cook the pasta until it is al dente, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta-cooking water, and drain the pasta in a colander. In the bowl with the sugar snap peas toss the pasta with the reserved pasta-cooking water, 1/4 cup of the remaining pesto, or to taste, and salt and pepper to taste.
• To make the pesto:
• In a food processor combine the arugula, the walnuts, the Parmesan or Sardo, the salt, and the garlic and pulse the motor until the walnuts are chopped fine. With the motor running add the oil in a stream and blend the pesto with hot cooked pasta, potatoes, or vegetables. The pesto keeps, chilled, its surface covered with plastic wrap, for 2 weeks. Makes about 2 cups.

Steps:

• Fill a large saucepan with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add salt and return to a boil. Prepare an ice-water bath and set aside.
• Add beans to boiling water and cook until bright in color and barely tender, 1 to 2 minutes. Drain and transfer to ice-water bath to cool. Drain and pat dry with a paper towel; transfer to refrigerator until chilled, up to 2 hours.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together pesto and olive oil until well combined. Place beans in a large bowl, along with arugula and 1/2 cup cheese; season with salt and pepper to taste. Add pesto-olive oil mixture and gently stir just once to coat. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese and serve at room temperature or store in an airtight container, refrigerated, until ready to serve, up to 1 day.