Mini Fork: Super Wizzy Pesto For Pasta

If you like pasta, you probably like pesto. Pasta is an awesome Italian ingredient, and there is so much to do with it, did you know that you can even get chocolate pasta? This pesto tastes great with any kind or shape of pasta, and is super easy to make. While we always recommend that an adult is there to help you out, this is something that is super easy to make.

Step 1: You need to tell your adults/parents about what you are making: Pesto originally comes from Genoa (pronounced Jen-O-A) in Italy. Each family in Genoa has their own special secret recipe for Pesto. Pesto is often served with tomatoes or potatoes, instead of pasta.

Step 2: Tell them why it’s good! The green things in this recipe contain iron, which is great for energy…wheeeeee we like energy! The green things in this recipe contain loads of vitamins A, C and E…this means less snotty noses, added super sports vision and great skin and hair.

Step 3: Get organised. Set out the measured ingredients on the side, and the dishes that you will need. Here is a picture of the finished pesto, and also a picture of it mixed with curly pasta. Ingredients serves 4

50g spinach

50g basil. Leaves and stalks, washed

50g pinenuts

50g parmesan, grated

1 fat clove of garlic

50ml avocado or extra virgin olive oil

Black pepper, a few grinds

Utensils that you will need: Food processor, blender or liquidiser Large bowl (for washing spinach) Frying pan or big saucepan  

Method, follow each step in order, and ask your adult if you get stuck

Firstly let’s wash that spinach… Put the leaves in the large bowl and fill with water, leave for a few minutes, swish around with your hand to loosen any mud, and then carefully drain spinach, using your hand or a colander (adults have big hands so they are good for this job).

Next, we need to toast the pine nuts. Ask your adult to tip the pine nuts (little bobbly things) into a frying pan, no oil needed. Then heat the pan, and keep stirring with a long wooden spoon for 5 to 10 minutes. We need pine nuts that are lightly golden brown.

Put everything in a blender or food processor. Make sure your adult is with you, and push the buttons to watch this pesto wizz into life! It might take a couple of pushes of the button, but when this is smooth and mixed in, you can add it to any kind of cooked pasta.

If you need to save it for another day, put it in a bowl, cover with clingfilm, and it will be fine for a couple of days. Yummy Pesto! It’s also delicious with fish, chicken and vegetables.