Ingredients: Serves 4
400g linguini
salt
50g Parmesan, finely grated to finish
75g pistachios, shelled and peeled
1 large bunch of basil
100ml extra virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, crushed
50g Parmesan, finely grated
1/2 lemon juice and zest
Method:
To make the pesto, preheat the oven to 150°C. Chill the food processor bowl in the
fridge (to keep the pesto as cool and as vibrant green as possible as you make
it).
Toast the pistachios in the oven for 5 minutes, and then allow to cool completely.
Trim off the ends of the basil stalks and discard. Blend the rest of the basil with
the extra-virgin olive oil, garlic and cooled pistachios in the food processor until almost smooth but retaining a little texture. Add the Parmesan and lemon zest and pulse briefly until well combined. Season with lemon juice and salt to taste.
Refrigerate until needed: this you can make in advance and reserve in a covered container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Cook the linguini in salted water following manufacturer’s instructions, drain, and fold through the chilled pesto. Serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan.