Making pesto with cashew nuts is a delicious and unique twist on the classic pesto recipe. Cashews are a versatile and flavourful ingredient that can bring a new level of richness to this beloved dish. Essina Wholefoods is proud to collaborate with Chef Aldo Venturi to create a recipe that showcases the wonderful flavour and texture of our own cashew nuts. You can call us biased but using our own cashew nuts in the recipe provides a truly unique and delicious pesto experience!
Can You Use Cashews in Pesto?
Cashews can be used in pesto as a substitute for pine nuts. In fact, cashews offer some advantages over pine nuts. Cashews have a creamier texture and a milder, sweeter flavour that can complement the other flavours in the pesto.
Chef Aldo uses 120g of our own cashew nuts in the recipe, which provides a unique flavour and texture to the pesto. Plus, using our own cashew nuts ensures the highest quality and freshness for the recipe.
Pesto Made with Cashew Nuts
Here is our recipe for making pesto with cashew nuts.
This pesto can be used in a variety of ways, such as in pasta dishes or as a spread on sandwiches or crackers. The cashews provide a creamy and nutty flavour that complements the basil and Parmesan cheese perfectly. Give it a try and see how versatile and delicious pesto with cashew nuts can be!
How to Use Pesto with Pasta
Pesto is a classic sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta. Here are some tips on how to use pesto with pasta:
Cook your pasta according to the package instructions. We recommend using a pasta shape with ridges, such as fusilli or penne, so that the pesto can cling to the pasta.
Reserve some of the pasta cooking water before draining. This can be added to the pesto later to thin it out if necessary.
In a separate pan, heat up the pesto over low heat. Be sure not to overheat the pesto, as this can cause it to lose its flavour and texture.
Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the pesto and toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Serve immediately, garnished with some extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
Some pasta shapes that pairs particularly well with pesto include fusilli, penne, farfalle (bowtie pasta), and orecchiette. But feel free to experiment with different shapes to find your favourite combination. Our pasta with Cashew Nuts pesto recipe uses casarecce pasta.
What Goes with Pesto Pasta?
Pesto pasta is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your tastes and preferences. Here are some toppings and additions that can be used to enhance pesto pasta:
Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity to the dish. They also provide a pop of colour that makes the pasta look even more appetizing.
Grilled Chicken: Adding grilled chicken to pesto pasta can turn it into a complete meal. The chicken adds protein and a savoury flavour that pairs well with the nuttiness of the pesto.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant can add a delicious smoky flavour to the dish. The caramelized edges of the vegetables also provide a nice contrast to the creaminess of the pesto.
Cashews: Adding some extra cashews to the pasta can provide a crunchy texture and enhance the nuttiness of the pesto.
Essina Wholefoods pesto pasta with nuts recipe combines our own cashew nuts with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese for a mouth-watering and easy-to-make meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or for when you want to impress your guests with a flavourful pasta dish.
Pesto with Cashews Instead of Pine Nuts
Traditionally, pesto is made with pine nuts, but using cashews instead can offer some benefits. Cashews have a milder flavour compared to pine nuts, which can be a desirable quality for those who find pine nuts to be too strong. In addition, cashews are typically less expensive than pine nuts, making them a budget-friendly alternative.
At Essina Wholefoods, we use our own cashew nuts to make our pesto, which provides a unique flavour and texture to the dish. By substituting pine nuts with cashews, we offer a different twist on the classic pesto recipe that is both delicious and affordable. Try our pasta with cashew nuts pesto to experience a new take on this beloved dish.
Pesto Pasta Without Nuts
While nuts are a key ingredient in traditional pesto, it is possible to make pesto without cashews. One substitution for nuts is breadcrumbs, which can provide a similar texture and enhance the overall flavour of the dish. Another option is to use sunflower seeds, which can provide a nutty flavour and a slight crunch.
Got a nut allergy or simply nut interested in the usual suspects? No problemo! We've got you covered with our pesto with cashew nuts recipe. You can swap out the cashews for some crispy breadcrumbs and nutty sunflower seeds, so you can enjoy a mouth-watering, nut-free version of this dish. Not only is it delicious, but it's also a great way to try new ingredients and shake things up in the kitchen. So why not give it a go and tag us on Instagram with your creations? We'd love to see how you put your own spin on our recipe.
What Nuts Go with Pasta?
While cashews are a delicious and versatile nut for pesto pasta, there are many other nuts that can be used to enhance a pasta dish. Here are a few examples:
Overall, the choice of nut depends on personal preference and the other flavours in the dish. Experimenting with different nuts can lead to some delicious and creative pasta dishes!
When to Add Pesto to Pasta
Knowing when to add pesto to pasta is crucial to achieving the perfect balance of flavours and textures. It is best to add the pesto to the pasta when the pasta is still warm, as this will help the sauce to adhere to the pasta better.
One tip for incorporating pesto into pasta dishes is to reserve some pasta water before draining the pasta. This starchy water can help to thicken the sauce and create a smoother texture. Start by adding a small amount of pasta water to the pesto and pasta mixture, and stir well. Continue adding small amounts until the desired consistency is achieved.
Our recipe is a great example of incorporating pesto into a pasta dish. The recipe calls for cooking the pasta according to package instructions, and then tossing the warm pasta with the pesto and some reserved pasta water. Top the pasta with nuts and cheese for added texture and flavour.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cashew nuts are a great alternative to pine nuts in pesto, offering a milder flavour and creamier texture. The use of cashew nuts in pesto adds a unique twist to the classic recipe and provides a new flavour experience for those who have only had traditional pesto.
The collaboration with Chef Aldo Venturi and the use of Essina Wholefoods own cashew nuts 500g ensures the highest quality and freshness in the recipe.
When it comes to serving pesto pasta, there are many possibilities, and it can be paired with a variety of toppings such as cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken, and roasted vegetables. Our recipe is a great example of how nuts can elevate a pasta dish.
If you're looking to avoid nuts in your pesto, substitutions like breadcrumbs or sunflower seeds can be used.
Remember to add the pesto to the pasta at the right time and follow tips like reserving some pasta water and stirring well to get the best results.
Overall, making pesto with cashews is a great way to create a unique and delicious pasta dish. We encourage readers to try making their own pesto with cashews for a new and exciting flavour experience.
