Adan Kendric Jamie Oliver’s Pea Pesto is a fresh, vibrant twist on traditional pesto, using sweet peas as the star ingredient. This quick and easy recipe is perfect as a spread, dip, or pasta sauce. With its bright green color and smooth, creamy texture, pea pesto is a delicious way to add flavor and nutrition to your meals.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just a few minutes with minimal ingredients.
- Versatile: Use as a pasta sauce, dip, spread, or salad dressing.
- Nutrient-Packed: Peas add fiber, vitamins, and a natural sweetness.
- Bright and Fresh Flavor: A delicious alternative to traditional basil pesto.
- Family-Friendly: A great way to add greens to kids’ meals.
What is Jamie Oliver’s Pea Pesto?
Jamie Oliver’s Pea Pesto is a creamy pesto made with peas, Parmesan, garlic, fresh herbs, and olive oil. It has a light, sweet flavor and can be used in various dishes, adding a burst of color and taste.
Ingredients for Jamie Oliver’s Pea Pesto
- 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or almonds for a different flavor)
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (or a mix of basil and mint)
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (more as needed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for added freshness)
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Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver’s Pea Pesto
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
If using frozen peas, allow them to thaw completely. Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown, enhancing their flavor.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
In a food processor, combine the thawed peas, grated Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, crushed garlic, and fresh basil leaves. Blend until you have a coarse paste.
Step 3: Add Olive Oil
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Continue blending until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. You may need to add a little extra olive oil to make it smoother.
Step 4: Season and Adjust
Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste. For extra brightness, add the lemon zest and juice, blending again briefly.
Step 5: Serve or Store
Transfer the pea pesto to a bowl and use it immediately as a pasta sauce, spread, or dip. If not using right away, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What to Serve with Jamie Oliver’s Pea Pesto
- Pasta: Toss with your favorite pasta for a quick, flavorful meal.
- Bruschetta: Spread on toasted bread for a vibrant appetizer.
- Grilled Vegetables: Serve as a dip for roasted or grilled veggies.
- Salad Dressing: Thin with a bit of extra olive oil and lemon juice for a pesto-style dressing.
- Pizza Topping: Use as a base for pizza or add dollops over a cooked pizza.
Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver’s Pea Pesto
- Use Fresh Peas When Possible: Fresh peas add a sweeter flavor, but frozen peas work wonderfully too.
- Toast the Nuts: Toasting the pine nuts (or almonds) brings out their flavor.
- Adjust Consistency: Add more olive oil or a splash of water if you prefer a thinner pesto.
- Balance Sweetness: The lemon juice adds acidity, balancing the sweetness of the peas.
- Experiment with Herbs: Mint adds a lovely flavor; mix it with basil for a unique twist.
Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Pea Pesto
- Add Spinach: For extra greens, blend in a handful of fresh spinach.
- Use Almonds: Substitute almonds for pine nuts for a different taste.
- Add Chili Flakes: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a bit of heat.
- Creamy Pesto: Add a spoonful of ricotta or Greek yogurt for a creamier texture.
- Garlic-Free: Omit the garlic for a milder flavor if preferred.
How to Store Leftover Jamie Oliver’s Pea Pesto
Store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent browning, pour a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing.
How to Freeze Jamie Oliver’s Pea Pesto
Freeze in small portions in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag, where they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature as needed.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen for Jamie Oliver’s pea pesto?
Yes, you can use fresh peas if they are in season. Blanch them briefly in boiling water until tender, then cool them before blending. Fresh peas will add a slightly sweeter flavor.
How long does pea pesto last in the fridge?
Pea pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh and prevent browning, pour a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing.
Can I freeze Jamie Oliver’s pea pesto?
Yes, pea pesto freezes well. Freeze it in small portions using an ice cube tray, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months and thawed as needed.
What can I use instead of pine nuts in pea pesto?
You can substitute pine nuts with almonds, cashews, or walnuts. Each will give the pesto a slightly different flavor but will work well in the recipe.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Pea Pesto is a deliciously fresh, vibrant alternative to traditional pesto. Its bright color, creamy texture, and sweet flavor make it versatile and satisfying. Perfect for pasta, bread, or even as a dip, this pea pesto is a fantastic way to add a burst of flavor and nutrition to your meals. Enjoy this easy, nutritious recipe with family and friends!
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Jamie Oliver Pea Pesto
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None (only a few minutes if toasting nuts)
- Total Time: 1 minute
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Sauce/Spread
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Pea Pesto is a creamy pesto made with peas, Parmesan, garlic, fresh herbs, and olive oil. It has a light, sweet flavor and can be used in various dishes, adding a burst of color and taste.
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or almonds for a different flavor)
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (or a mix of basil and mint)
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (more as needed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for added freshness)
Instructions
If using frozen peas, allow them to thaw completely. Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown, enhancing their flavor.
In a food processor, combine the thawed peas, grated Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, crushed garlic, and fresh basil leaves. Blend until you have a coarse paste.
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Continue blending until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. You may need to add a little extra olive oil to make it smoother.
Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste. For extra brightness, add the lemon zest and juice, blending again briefly.
Transfer the pea pesto to a bowl and use immediately as a pasta sauce, spread, or dip. If not using right away, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
