Two words. Gut bomb. Or comfort food if that makes you feel better. This dish is definitely both.
I wanted to make pesto without the traditional Parmesan cheese, but what could possibly replace the richness it adds? Answer: avocado and plenty of pine nuts. Need I say more?
Tip: only use the biggest, ripest summer-harvest Haas avocados you can find. It makes all the difference. You want a very buttery-tasting avocado. And makes sure the peas are fresh or frozen and only the sweetest ones will work. Nothing out of a can will do.
Warning: you will be tempted to eat this in large quantities. Don’t. Do. It. I found out the hard way. This has the ability to sneak up and knock you to the ground. I suggest you only make this when surrounded by large numbers of friends and family. Or make a half batch. Or cook one serving of pasta, throw on a few tablespoons of pesto, and freeze the rest. This is good advice. You’re welcome.
Ingredients
1 lb. package linguine or pasta of choice (I used gluten free)
1 cup frozen sweet peas – thawed
1/2 cup tightly packed basil leaves (or more!)
2 Haas avocados (preferably summer-harvested as they are the most creamy/buttery)
2 tbsp. chopped garlic
½ cup pine nuts
¼ cup good quality extra virgin olive oil
sea salt to taste
Directions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook linguine per package instructions.
2. Place peas, avocados, garlic, pine nuts, basil and olive oil in a food processor and blend very well.
3. Salt to taste.
5. Toss pasta and pesto together until pasta is thoroughly coated.
6. Serve hot, cold or room temperature.
cheri says
Hi Amy, my sister and mom are coming for a visit, Pinned, will make this for them. Sounds delicious!
Amy says
Thanks, Cheri! I completely forgot to add one of the most important ingredients – basil – so I added that back in! I hope they like it. Please let me know what you think. I’m always looking for ways to tweak recipes to suit personal tastes.
Amallia @DesireToEat says
Hi found your blog through Food Blogger Pro, you have a nice blog and great recipes and pictures. I love this linguine basil avocado green pea pesto.
Amy says
Thanks so much for stopping by, Amalia! I have to say your recipe for the pea/cilantro soup looks amazing and I will definitely be trying it. Look forward to catching up with you on Food Blogger Pro!