Recipes: Basil and Coriander Pesto

Over the past few years, I have been slowly getting GG & BB into the kitchen and teaching them simple recipes. This is so they can whip up something if there is a need. BB loves pasta, and so that has become his thing. He is the official pasta maker in our home, and recently he has started exploring making pesto from scratch. The below recipe is the result of his kitchen experiments. Quick to make, this vibrant pesto combines the aromatic flavours of basil and coriander, creating a versatile sauce perfect for pasta, sandwiches, marinades, or dressings. It’s quick to make and packed with nutrients.

Basil and Coriander Pesto

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1 cup fresh coriander leaves
  • 3-4 garlic cloves
  • ½ cup cashewnuts and walnuts, lightly toasted
  • 2 tbsp (or to taste) lemon juice
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • 2-3 tbsp Olive oil 
  • 2-3 tbsp (or more) water

Method:

  • Wash and dry the basil and coriander leaves thoroughly.
  • Lightly toast the nuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add basil, coriander, garlic, toasted nuts, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to a food processor. Blend while slowly drizzling in olive oil until the mixture is smooth. Add water gradually to achieve your desired consistency.
  • Taste the pesto and adjust salt, lemon juice, or olive oil as needed.
  • Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for up to one month.

Recipe: Pasta Salad

This recipe for Pasta Salad has been with us for a while now. I think I may have made it after seeing something similar some years back or even discovered it accidentally. Anyways, this is a go-to recipe for me when we are bored of Indian food and this makes a great lunch box idea for children and even adults when you want a no-mess lunch which you can eat on the go or at your desk.

Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

  • 1 packet raw pasta
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 2 bell peppers, chopped
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 cup frozen paneer
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 2 tsp red chilli powder
  • 2 tsp cumin powder
  • 1-2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Coriander leaves to garnish

Method:

  • Cook the pasta as per the instructions on the pack. Let the pasta be al dente and not overcooked. Drain and keep aside to cool.
  • Heat up the frozen corn and when thawed, drained and keep aside.
  • Soak the paneer in hot water for 10 minutes, drain and chop into small pieces.
  • When cool, mix together the pasta, onions, bell peppers, olives, paneer and corn and mix well.
  • In a smaller dish, mix the spices, olive oil and lemon juice into a marinade.
  • Pour the marinade into the pasta salad and mix well. Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves. Check for seasoning.
  • Cover and keep in the fridge for a couple of hours. Serve cool.