Penne With Fusion Pesto

Cook's Illustrated

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Yields: 8 as side dish

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup pine nuts or 1⁄4 cup walnuts or 1⁄4 cup  almonds
• 3  garlic cloves, threaded on a skewer
• 1  cup  packed fresh basil leaf
• 1⁄2 cup  packed fresh mint leaves
• 1⁄2 cup  packed fresh cilantro leaves
•  fresh gingerroot, peeled and sliced (1/2-inch long piece)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes (to taste)
• 7  tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
•  salt
• 1  lb penne (or other short tubular pasta)

Directions

1. Toast the nuts in a small, heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until just golden and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a big pot; lower the skewered garlic into the water, boil for 45 seconds.
3. Immediately run the garlic under cold water, remove from the skewer; peel and mince.
4. Add the basil, mint, cilantro, to a large heavy-duty zip-lock bag; pound with the flat side of a meat pounder until all the leaves are bruised.
5. Place the nuts, garlic, herbs, ginger, red pepper flakes, oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in the work bowl of a food processor; process until smooth, stopping as necessary to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
6. Transfer the mixture to a small bowl and adjust the salt.
7. Add 1 tablespoon salt and the pasta to the boiling water; cook until al dente.
8. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water; drain the pasta and transfer it back to the cooking pot.
9. Mix in 1/4 cup of the reserved cooking water and the pesto; use the additional 1/4 cup cooking water as needed to moisten the sauce.
10. Place in a warmed serving dish and serve immediately.