Forum Thermomix

Thermomix Recipes for TM5 and TM31 => Starters and Snacks => Topic started by: Thermomixer on September 10, 2008, 04:44:42 am

Title: Rocket and Cashew Pesto
Post by: Thermomixer on September 10, 2008, 04:44:42 am: Name of Recipe: Rocket and Cashew Pesto

Number of People: 6

Ingredients:
80 g parmesan or grana padano
1 clove garlic
100 g rocket, washed and shaken dry
150 g roasted, unsalted cashews
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon

Preparation:

Place parmesan into TM bowl and grate for 10 seconds on speed 7. You don’t want it too fine – some little bits are OK. Remove and set aside.

Place garlic in TM bowl and chop for 10 seconds on speed 7. Scrape down sides of bowl and add rocket and cashews. Chop for 30 seconds on speed 6. It should still have some decent sized pieces of nuts, not mush (see photos). Blend longer if you think it needs it.

Add olive oil, lemon juice and parmesan and blend for 30 seconds on reverse + speed 4.

Add some extra olive oil or water through the hole in the lid if the mixture appears too thick and blend a little longer.

You should not need pepper or salt. The garlic and rocket will give it enough heat, while the parmesan should give enough salt. But taste it and check.

Photos:

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bNPH41zg68M/SMcuYAAP-TI/AAAAAAAAASY/LvTnAmLdS6Q/s320/Rocket+pesto+1.jpg)

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bNPH41zg68M/SMcwbVlRXcI/AAAAAAAAASg/hrvRKIs00ks/s400/Rocket+pesto+2.jpg)

Tips/Hints:

This is a dip that has been made a few times with variations, but basically the same as the Asian pesto/dip. Really, the variations are limited by your imagination. Use walnuts, peanuts or almonds intead of cashews. Add some chili. Cook the garlic first for a milder taste. Use other oils such as grapeseed for a milder taste or splurge on some walnut oil.

Origin:

http://thermomixmagic.blogspot.com/2008/09/rocket-and-cashew-pesto.html (http://thermomixmagic.blogspot.com/2008/09/rocket-and-cashew-pesto.html) and
http://thermomix-er.blogspot.com/2008/09/rocket-and-cashew-pesto.html (http://thermomix-er.blogspot.com/2008/09/rocket-and-cashew-pesto.html)

Suitable to use with pasta - just add a little extra oil.

Tips/hints from members

Gert - I've made it with cashews, rocket and macadamia nut oil.

Deedub - I didn't have enough rocket in the garden to make the full amount so used half rocket, half spinach and it was still very tasty. I served it as a dip but I agree, would make a great pasta sauce.
Title: Re: Rocket and Cashew Pesto
Post by: JulieO on September 10, 2009, 07:29:50 am: This sounds delightful, love your little bowl too. Is it a Nigella one?
Title: Re: Rocket and Cashew Pesto
Post by: Thermomixer on September 10, 2009, 09:23:53 am: Thanks Julie - think my wife bought them at Vital Ingredient on special a few years ago
Title: Re: Rocket and Cashew Pesto
Post by: gertbysea on September 10, 2009, 10:32:41 am: This is yummy. Today I made it with cashews, rocket and macadamia nut oil. Thanks Thermomixer

Gretchen
Title: Re: Rocket and Cashew Pesto
Post by: Thermomixer on September 10, 2009, 02:43:15 pm: TWEAKING MY RECIPE !!! - LOL - great to see - I have stolen all my ideas from somebody else (with a few weird exceptions!!)

Love the idea of macadamia nut oil - less pungent than the olive oil :-*
Title: Re: Rocket and Cashew Pesto
Post by: jojo on January 30, 2010, 01:30:49 am: I made this to take to friends last night and everyone loved it!
It came up a beautiful bright green too - looks so much nicer than the bought ones.

Thanks Thermomixer :)
Title: Re: Rocket and Cashew Pesto
Post by: Thermomixer on January 30, 2010, 02:04:49 am: We used to pay heaps for tiny containers of a similar dip - so easy and impresses guests.
Title: Re: Rocket and Cashew Pesto
Post by: jojo on January 30, 2010, 07:08:51 am: I know, it is crazy. I was at Vic Market buying the rocket for this and passed through the deli section - the nice ones there were over $5 for half a small container. This recipe made at least 4 times the quantity! :)
Title: Re: Rocket and Cashew Pesto
Post by: Katya on January 30, 2010, 10:48:00 am: Looks a great recipe Thermomixer - I somehow missed it when it popped up in September. Do you think you could add it to pasta as a light meal?
Title: Re: Rocket and Cashew Pesto
Post by: cookie1 on January 30, 2010, 12:44:26 pm: I don't see why not, I'd certainly give it a try. We've had a spinach one on pasta with some parmesan and it was quick, easy and yum.
Title: Re: Rocket and Cashew Pesto
Post by: Katya on January 30, 2010, 01:26:54 pm: Thanks cookie - will give it a go at some point and report back....
Title: Re: Rocket and Cashew Pesto
Post by: Thermomixer on January 31, 2010, 11:44:06 pm: We've had it with pasta - just added a little extra oil.
Title: Re: Rocket and Cashew Pesto
Post by: courton on February 20, 2010, 05:07:02 am: I have just made this for a picnic and it is absolutely yummy. More fabulous recipes please!
Title: Re: Rocket and Cashew Pesto
Post by: achookwoman on February 20, 2010, 06:14:48 am: Thanks Thermomixer, nice to have recipes that use ingredients that are on hand.
Title: Re: Rocket and Cashew Pesto
Post by: Thermomixer on February 20, 2010, 01:24:45 pm: True Chookie. There are endless possibilities with similar dips - different nuts, basil added, different spices.

courton - don't be afraid to very the ingredients - this is very forgiving.
Title: Re: Rocket and Cashew Pesto
Post by: hopefulcook on June 05, 2011, 02:32:15 am: Do you think it would work with coriander instead of rocket?
Title: Re: Rocket and Cashew Pesto
Post by: judydawn on June 05, 2011, 04:59:30 am: Hopefulcook, here's (http://www.cuisineaustralia.com/coriander-and-cashew-pesto/) a recipe using Coriander so the answer to your question is - YES
Title: Re: Rocket and Cashew Pesto
Post by: deedub on January 18, 2012, 04:24:20 am: Made this yesterday and it was lovely. I didn't have enough rocket in the garden to make the full amount so used half rocket, half spinach and it was still very tasty. I served it as a dip but I agree, would make a great pasta sauce.
Title: Re: Rocket and Cashew Pesto
Post by: Bubbles on July 26, 2012, 12:17:07 pm: Made this on the weekend. It was very nice although I did find the rocket a little over powering for my liking. I might try to use less rocket and perhaps add spinach leaves next time. THanks :)