PPN: Angel Hair Pasta With Sweet Red Pepper Pesto
It's been several weeks since I participated in Presto Pasta Night. My cooking hasn't been interesting lately, to tell the truth. But, when I saw this recipe, it seemed promising. It's very quick and the dish can be served at room temperature. And angel hair pasta cooks so quickly, it doesn't heat up the kitchen. I wish I could have used
red bell peppers from my garden, but they're the size of cherry tomatoes right now. Instead of roasting some peppers from the store, I used very good bottled roasted peppers that I like to keep on hand for quick meals.
This pesto recipe is full of flavor and would be good on sandwiches and in soup. It doesn't have a large amount of oil or cheese in it, so the calories aren't nearly as high as some pestos I've made in the past
This week PPN is being hosted by it's founder, the wonderful Ruth at Once Upon A Feast. Stop by her blog and check out the recap of wonderful pasta recipes from bloggers from all over the world.
Angel Hair Pasta With Red Pepper Pesto
Adapted from Food & Wine
3 medium red bell peppers or bottled roasted red peppers
1 tablespoon pine nuts
1 small garlic clove, smashed
1/4 cup basil leaves, plus 2 tablespoons chopped basil
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 pound angel hair pasta
1/2 cup grated pecorino cheese
Roast the red peppers over a gas flame or under the broiler, turning occasionally, until charred all over. Transfer the peppers to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let cool. Peel, core and chop the peppers.
In a small skillet, toast the pine nuts over moderate heat until golden, about 4 minutes. Let cool.
Transfer the peppers and pine nuts to a blender or food processor. Add the garlic and whole basil leaves and blend until coarsely chopped. Add the olive oil and cheese and puree to a chunky pesto. Season with salt and pepper.
In a large saucepan of boiling salted water, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and cool slightly under running water. Transfer the pasta to a bowl and toss with the pesto. Season the pasta with salt and pepper. Top with the chopped basil and pecorino and serve at room temperature.
Sher you always manage to make pasta look brilliant! Very interesting to serve room temp.
Posted by: MyKitchenInHalfCups | July 18, 2008 at 02:11 AM
That pasta dish looks extremely scrumptious! I love the taste of bell peppers, so that pesto would be for me!
Cheers,
Rosa
Posted by: Rosa | July 18, 2008 at 02:30 AM
You always make the most delicious pesto sauces, Sher! And I love angel hair pasta!
Posted by: Patricia Scarpin | July 18, 2008 at 05:13 AM
I did a pasta with red pepper sauce this past winter and just loved it. Once red peppers are all over the local farmer markets, I will do it again.
I'm pretty sure we followed the same recipe too.
Posted by: Kate | July 18, 2008 at 05:53 AM
I'm always intrigued by other pestos besides the regular basil pesto. This one sounds so delicious!
Posted by: Deborah | July 18, 2008 at 08:29 AM
I just tried your recipe with Al Dente's Egg Linguine which cooks in just 3 minutes and tastes exactly like homemade. It was great!
Posted by: monique | July 18, 2008 at 11:02 AM
I just tried your recipe with Al Dente's Egg Linguine which cooks in just 3 minutes and tastes exactly like homemade. It was great!
Posted by: monique | July 18, 2008 at 11:15 AM
LCBO had a similar red pepper pesto that sits beside the usual basil one in my fridge. I'm not sure which I like better, but it's great to have the option no matter what my mood.
Thanks for sharing with Presto Pasta Nights.
Posted by: Ruth | July 18, 2008 at 02:49 PM
this sounds like the perfect pasta dish for me. i adore angel hair--there's something kinda delicate about it that somehow makes it more enjoyable to devour. plus, your pesto looks delightful. red bell peppers are the best bell peppers. :)
Posted by: grace | July 19, 2008 at 02:16 AM
Nope can't go wrong here, even w/ jarred peppers. It must be exciting watching your peppers grow!
Posted by: Callipygia | July 20, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Oh, yeah!! This sounds great. I look forward to any chance to eat roasted red peppers.
Posted by: Julie | July 20, 2008 at 02:07 PM
Dear family of Sher, reading this is probably the last thing on your minds at the moment, but I just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you all today.
Sam
Posted by: sam | July 20, 2008 at 05:31 PM
I am so shocked and saddened to lose Sher, a vital and engaging presence. My best thoughts are with her family at this time.
Eve
Posted by: the chocolate lady (eve) | July 20, 2008 at 07:24 PM
Rest in peace, dear friend. You and your wonderful columns will be sorely missed.
Posted by: Lizz | July 20, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Farewell sweet friend!
I always knew you as a the wonderful and kind soul you were to all of us! We will miss you forever!
Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to your family!
Just had to come and visit you one more time!
I know Upsie and Sundance were there to welcome you and that now you are united with your beloved furballs...
all our love, always
Astrid & the Boys!
Posted by: Astrid | July 20, 2008 at 10:50 PM
My sincerest condolences to Sherry's family and friends. She was a wonderful presence in the food blog world and I truly enjoyed reading what she wrote and getting to know her. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
She will be missed more than mere words can express.
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | July 21, 2008 at 03:26 AM
Today is a sad day... Sher, you are going to be missed!
All my condolences to her family and friends. In thoughts with you.
Rosa
Posted by: Rosa | July 21, 2008 at 03:45 AM
I'm so sorry to hear the news. My heart goes out to her family and friends, and I hope you find comfort in beautiful memories.
Andrea
Posted by: Andrea | July 21, 2008 at 04:51 AM
I am afraid we have only every been lurkers on your lovely blog, but we were sad to hear the news today on the cat blogosphere.
Sending our thoughts to your friends and family and we will miss your warmth and prescence in the blogging world.
Poppy and Julie Q
Posted by: Poppy Q | July 21, 2008 at 04:57 AM
Dear Family of Sher,
We are so very sorry for your loss. We enjoyed this blog and know that Sher was a wonderful human.
All of our sympathies to you at this most sad time.
Perfectly Parker and her family.
Posted by: Parker | July 21, 2008 at 05:43 AM
I was so sad and shocked to hear this news today. I will miss the recipes, the wonderful pictures, the kind words and comments.
My heart goes out to her family.
Posted by: Linda | July 21, 2008 at 06:28 AM
Oh Sher, we will miss you so. We'll light a candle for you.
To Sher's family, We're so sorry for your loss.
Purrrrrrrrs and Hugs,
All the Hotties
Posted by: HotMBC | July 21, 2008 at 06:56 AM
Sher I know you can't read this but I will miss you. very much.
Posted by: ilva | July 21, 2008 at 07:05 AM
Farewell, my friend, for now. This is such a sad day. You will be greatly missed by so many. My heartfelt prayers and condolences to your family. I'm certain that Upsie and Sundance were there to welcome you.
Love and purrrrrs,
Teri and China Cat & Willow
Posted by: sammawow | July 21, 2008 at 07:25 AM
Sher's Family - our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Sher will be greatly missed. Please accept our condolences.
Posted by: The Meezers | July 21, 2008 at 07:45 AM