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It could handle it ok, but I decided to try something different with my new toy and it was so much smoother and blended much quicker.
I was thinking about raw vegetables and all the nutrients that would be retained if I didn't cook them first. I settled on cauliflower and peas.
I was very happy with the results. A velvety smooth and tasty pesto that coated pasta beautifully. And, more importantly, it met with approval from my two year old and my newly vegan husband. Of course, if you don't have a vegan in the house, feel free to add parmesan (veggie style of course).
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Cauliflower & Pea Pesto
A beautiful, velvety green pesto, packed with flavours and nutrients. Made in minutes.
Ingredients
- ½ small cauliflower
- 128g/1 cup frozen peas
- 25g/1 cup fresh basil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup/240ml olive oil
- a good grinding of black pepper
Instructions
1. Cut your cauliflower into florets and peel your garlic.2. Pop all the ingredients in your blender and whizz until your pesto is velvety smooth. 3. Have a taste and check the seasoning.4. Serve over hot pasta. Spread on toasted bruschetta, panini or ciabatta and topped with salad or veg and feta or fresh milky mozzarella. Alternatively, add more olive oil and use as a salad dressing.notes: If you prefer a chunkier pesto, then stop blending once it reaches your desired thickness.You can also add some grated parmesan for extra flavour.
Details
Total time: Yield: Serves 4
Some more pesto for you to try:
- Creamy Triple Green Pesto by Tinned Tomatoes
- Sundried Tomato Pesto by Green Gourmet Giraffe
- Parsley Pesto by Souvlaki for the Soul
- Red Pepper Pesto by Laura's Sweet Spot
- Spinach & Pea Pesto by Tinned Tomaotes
- Courgette Pesto by What We Eat
I use the Optimum 9400 power blender. I was sent one for review and couldn't like without it now. I love it.
Gosh that does look good and the colour is so vibrant too. Have fun with your new toy!
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful colour. Very pleasing and I do love my new toy :)
DeleteVegan "parmesan" is the only vegan cheese substitute that I really like - probably because it doesn't have to capture the texture (or melting), just the taste.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried the vegan one, but I must get a hold of it for my hubby. I use the vegetarian type from Sainsburys or Bookhams Farm.
DeleteI am jealous - recently I saw the level on my mini blender that I should keep ingredients below - mine is always overfull and we are making smoothies so often that I am sure I would use your sort of blender a lot - I would also love your dip - if only I hadn't used my money in other ways lately :-(
ReplyDeleteI know, I was so lucky to be given one. Don't think I could have scrapped together enough money for one, for some time.
DeleteOH I am so envious and what a GREAT recipe too - for playing with your new toy!
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen and yes, I am a lucky girl :)
DeleteGosh Jac, what a fantastic new toy. Love the colour of your pesto and it looks delicious. A vegan husband sounds like a bit of a challenge - eek!
ReplyDeleteIt is a bit of a challenge sometimes. Although a lot of my dishes are ok for him. I offered to make him vegan chocolate cake tonight and he turned me down. Sheesh!
DeleteI think you need an emulsifier in there - a teaspoon of mustard, perhaps - so that the oil doesn't separate from the watery veg.
ReplyDeleteGlad you have some new kitchen gadgets!
It was fine actually, just a bit at the edges. It tasted great on pasta :)
DeleteWow, fab colour. I really must try pesto, a standard recipe to start with I think. What a lovely item to be sent to review - you are very lucky!
ReplyDeleteI know I am lucky Caroline. I am so, so pleased with my new toy. Other than that, pesto is a real must for making at home :)
Deleteoh wow, what an amazing toy! and I love the recipe :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Tandy :)
DeleteWhat an amazing colour and full of goodness!
ReplyDeleteI know, so full of goodness. I was glad it was so well received :)
DeleteI can see that there will be lots more Vitamix recipes on your blog soon! Lovely looking pesto and amazing properties in your new machine.
ReplyDeleteI have at least three lined up already Janice. If I had a week of just now, there would be about 20 times that :)
DeleteLooks fab fab fab. Actually you have just inspired me to make a cauli/pea sauce for the kids this evening - although i may have to steam the veg as I have no toy :-(
ReplyDeleteI saw that you did make it and it went down really well with your family. That is great!
DeleteI hope you feel better soon x
WOW, Jac. My Mom had one of those Vitamix things when I was growing up (she lost it when Dad loaned it to a friend and couldn't remember which one. Boy, was she unhappy!) - they do roar a bit like a plane engine, but I can't wait to get settled and get one of my own - after judicious money saving, of course! I'm always intrigued at your pea usage - you use peas in things it would never occur to me to use!
ReplyDeleteI know Tanita, but peas are so easy to throw into dishes, lovely and sweet and Cooper loves them.
DeleteOh yes, and I bet your mum wasn't happy. Men! Honestly!
Oh looking good! Great idea too for a pasta sauce. Looks like a useful machine thingamebob! I will make do with my stick blender like Recipe Junkie though.. Good to see you in VL this month. I write for them occasionally, they are a very nice bunch, lovely to work for :)
ReplyDeleteGood for you Sarah, I would like to do that someday too. Must brush up on my writing skills first I think :)
DeleteGreat recipe -so versatile and nutritious. And so fun to make it in your new toy, I mean serious piece of useful kit:D NO, I'm not jealous at all... x
ReplyDeleteI thought you already had one Kellie? It was you, who gave me the button underneath tip! Haven't had to use it yet. Touch wood!
DeleteGood pesto idea, I am always curios about alternative to the green Italian pesto. Cauliflower and Pea sounds like an interesting combination. Your new tool is cool!
ReplyDeleteThanks Rita, I do like to mix things up :)
Deletenice toy, and yummy pesto!
ReplyDeleteThanks Alex :)
DeleteCauliflower and pea pesto is a brainwave!! wodnerful flavors
ReplyDeleteMary x
Thanks Mary :)
DeleteI would love that toy too! Another recipe Jac. xo
ReplyDeleteYou really would love it Lisa :)
DeleteCongrats! You now, also have a Vitamix!
ReplyDeleteMe too, you will be having so much fun with it! It is a real winner, so is this stunning & appetizing recipe!