Pea and Mint Pesto – Culinary Ginger

Fresh peas, leek, mint and parmesan blend into a smooth and vibrant pea and mint pesto. Pour it over pasta, spread it on crusty bread, use it as a dip, or dilute it in a light spring soup.

Ingredients

• Peas
• leek
• Fresh mint
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Ground black pepper
• Olive oil

Spring is peak pea season, making it the perfect time to enjoy fresh green peas. As farmers market season begins, look for garden peas. Also known as English peas or garden peas, they are one of the most versatile spring vegetables. Although fresh peas are best in season, frozen peas are a convenient year-round option. They also retain their softness beautifully. Freezing is also a great way to preserve fresh peas or herbs before they go bad.

They will enter secretly

This pea and mint pesto puts a new twist on the classic pesto recipe. Instead of traditional garlic, this version uses sautéed leek for a subtle, flavorful depth that enhances the sweetness of the peas and the brightness of the fresh mint. This is a lighter, spring-inspired pesto, full of flavor without overpowering the herbs.

Uses of Pea and Mint Pesto

• Sauce paste: Toss with hot pasta or gnocchi for a vibrant and flavorful primavera dish.
• Crostini: Spread on crusty bread and top with your favorite vegetables or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a delicious appetizer.
• Sandwich spread: Add a layer of freshness and flavor to your sandwiches.
• Vegetarian Dip: Dilute with a little olive oil or yogurt for a refreshing dip for raw vegetables.
• Soup: For a creamy, vibrant soup, mix pesto with vegetable stock and a touch of cream.

But wait, there’s more! This versatile pesto can also be made into a creamy and delicious pea and mint soup thickened with potatoes. In the photo below.

Fresh or frozen peas

What makes this easy pesto recipe so versatile? You can use fresh or frozen peas so you can enjoy this vibrant sauce all year round. While this is not a true no-cook recipe (raw peas aren’t for everyone!), the peas only need a quick blanch/boil for 2-3 minutes with the leeks for 2-3 minutes to become perfectly tender and crisp (al dente).

Nut-free pesto

This pea pesto is naturally nut-free, creating a smooth, creamy texture without pine nuts. If you prefer a chunkier pesto, you can easily add your favorite nuts. Pine nuts, almonds or pecans all work wonderfully.

Frozen pesto

One of the best things about this homemade pea pesto is that it freezes beautifully. Here’s how to store it:

1. Divide into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for individual servings.
2. For larger batches, use airtight freezer containers.
3. Pour a thin layer of olive oil on top to avoid exposure to air.
4. Label and freeze for up to 6 months.
5. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.

This recipe makes 2½ cups (655 grams) and can be prepared in less than 10 minutes.

Simply boil the peas for 3 minutes, let them cool, then toss them with fresh mint, parmesan, salt, pepper and olive oil.

Print

Pea and mint pesto

Fresh peas, leek, mint and parmesan blend into a smooth and vibrant pea and mint pesto. Pour it over pasta, spread it on crusty bread, use it as a dip, or dilute it in a light spring soup.

Course Appetizers

Kitchen American

Preparation time 5 minutes minutes

Cooking time 3 minutes minutes

Total duration 8 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 242kilocalories

Author Janette

• 2 cups (181 grams of fresh peas or thawed frozen peas
• ½ medium leek ax
• A small handful of fresh mint leaves
• ½ cup (45 grams) parmesan, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ cup (118 ml) olive oil

• Bring a saucepan halfway filled with water to the boil and add the peas and leeks. Cook for 3 minutes, drain and let cool for 5 minutes.

• Add the cooled or thawed peas, leek, mint, parmesan, salt and pepper to a food processor.

• Pulse 10 times until the mixture is chopped, then, while the processor is running, drizzle in the olive oil until well combined and smooth. You can add as much or as little as you like to achieve your desired consistency. Taste for salt, adding more if necessary.

Portion: 1 | Calories: 242kilocalories | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 20g | Saturated fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated fats: 16g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 506mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g