Author Notes
ah, le printemps. the city has heaved a collective sigh of relief as the sun has come out and the temperature refuses to dip into a chill. in the morning, i join the smiling, happy runners on the flower-lined path by the hudson river who are at last freed from the confines of the gym. on the weekend, the streets are brimming with new yorkers strolling, dining, making out (it IS spring!), and playing with their children. at night after dinner, M and i love to take a long walk, which inevitably includes the high line, so we can gawk at the gorgeous view (i swear, it never gets old).
and now restaurant menus and farmers markets are bursting with fava beans, asparagus, and ramps. a delightful fava bean and pecorino salad at emporio. charred ramps and romesco sauce at colicchio and sons. at the farmer’s market, i scan stalls as if they’re selling jewels, appreciating each vegetable and fruit for its beauty and deliciousness. it’s simply a wonderful time to cook and take pleasure in food. i decided it was time to make pesto. —nadiact
Ingredients
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2/3 cup
dry quinoa
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1 1/3 cups
water
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1/4 cup
slivered almonds, toasted
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1
bunch fresh basil, about 3 cups
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1/4 cup
parmesan, freshly grated
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1/2 cup
walnuts, toasted
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3
cloves garlic
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3 tablespoons
high quality olive oil, plus more to taste
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juice of 1 lemon
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1 cup
chickpeas, drained and rinsed
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handful sun-dried tomatoes, for garnish
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salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
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Place the basil through the olive oil in the bowl of a food processor. pulse until smooth. Set aside.
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Place quinoa and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, cover and let cook about 15 minutes, until the water is absorbed
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When quinoa is finished, remove from heat, fluff with a fork and toss with almonds, chickpeas, pesto, and lemon juice. garnish with sun-dried tomatoes
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