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Home Breads/Pasta/Pizza

Poblano Pesto with Orecchiette

By: Nicole 19 Comments
Posted: 12/09/13

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

I’ve given up Mexican food. Lord help me.

Poblano Pesto with Orecchiette 9

It’s not because I’m trying to lose weight (even though I am).

It’s not because I’m sick of it (that could never happen).

It’s not even because I had a bad batch of enchiladas (which has yet to happen).

It’s because very very soon I’ll actually be in Mexico, eating Mexican food every single day, all day, and Kev and I want to make sure we reaaaaalllyy miss it before we go. I don’t know about you, but we are Mexican freaks, if we don’t have it at least once a week, we go into withdrawal, constantly think about it, even dream about it until we can’t stand it any longer and sprint for the closest taco stand (errr restaurant).

I’m cheating a little though. Being a little devious. And maybe sneaking in Mexican-ish ingredients into foods that might otherwise be considered Italian.

You see, at first glance, one might identify this as pure Italian. Pesto? Must be the classic basil pesto. But upon further review you’ll notice, it’s really just Mexican food disguised with a diversion of pasta, copious amount of cheese and a vibrant green color. I’m sly like that.

Poblano Pesto with Orecchiette 10

By the way, have I told you I’m going to Mexico next month? Yes, while all of Kansas City is freezing their tushes off in what is being predicted to be one of the worst winters in years, I’ll be on a beach in 85 degree weather, sipping on Pacificos and loving life.

Although, now that I’m bragging about it, this will probably be the first January hurricane Puerto Vallarta’s seen in the last twenty years, or a massive ice storm will cancel all outgoing flights from Kansas City, or earth will be attacked by aliens….

Ok, that last one is a long shot, but the former two are entirely possible. Ummm well, maybe just the second scenario. Is a January hurricane possible?

I’m just gonna keep my mouth shut from this point on, I don’t want to jinx anything.

Buuttt back to my devious ways.

Mexican disguised as Italian.

Poblano Pesto with Orecchiette

Poblano chilies are by far my favorite ingredient of 2013. I put them in everything. Repeat everything. I’ve made this fondita, these enchiladas, this soup, this cornbread and this dip to name a few. I love them for their mild spice, and smoky flavor when roasted; and really just can’t get enough of them.

Awhile back when I was brainstorming more ways to sneak my favorite ingredient into more dishes, I had the bright idea to turn it into a pesto. So when Kev and I officially decided we were giving up Mexican at the start of last weekend, I roasted up some poblano chilies, pureed them with a few marcona almonds (leftover from this), lemon juice, garlic, cheese and olive oil; tossed it with pasta and more cheese, and called it an Italian pasta dish.

Poblano Pesto with Orecchiette 8

No Mexican for this gal.

Poblano Pesto with Orecchiette 5

Poblano Pesto with Orecchiette 4

Poblano Pesto with Orecchiette
 
Print
Author: Nicole ~ Cooking for Keeps
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 2 roasted poblano peppers
  • ¼ cup marcona almonds
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon grapeseed or canola oil
  • ½ cup grated manchego or parmesan cheese, divided plus more for garnish
  • 1 pound orecchiette
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. In the bottom of a food processor pulse, peppers, almonds, garlic, lemon juice, sugar and salt until puréed.
  2. With the processor on, slowly drizzle in olive oil until combined. Stir in ½ cup parmesan cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  3. Cook the pasta in liberally salted water until aldenté. Reserve ½ cup of cooking liquid and return pasta to pan.
  4. Toss hot pasta with pesto. If needed add some of the starchy cooking liquid to loosen the sauce up. Add more parmesan if desired. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  5. Garnish with chopped almonds and parmesan cheese.
3.2.1263

Poblano Pesto with Orecchiette PS1

Meet Nicole

Welcome! My lifelong passion for delicious food and cooking has evolved over time into an equal love of showing you an elevated meal can be easy, approachable and most importantly, tasty. Dive in and find something perfect for you and your family!

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  1. Rachel @ Bakerita says

    Posted on 12/10/13 at 1:34 am

    Mexican food is always okay with me, and the poblano pesto idea was a BRILLIANT one! Love it…sounds soo good. Pinned!

    Reply
    • Nicole says

      Posted on 12/11/13 at 3:03 am

      Do you think there’s anyone that doesn’t like Mexican? If there is, I’d love to meet them! Ha! Thanks girl!

      Reply
  2. Tamara Coleman says

    Posted on 12/10/13 at 6:24 am

    This would be a perfect play on one of my Taco Tuesday nights! Luv it!
    http://www.prettybitchescancooktoo.com

    Reply
    • Nicole says

      Posted on 12/11/13 at 3:02 am

      Thanks Tamara!

      Reply
  3. Chris @ Shared Appetite says

    Posted on 12/10/13 at 7:08 pm

    I’m so with you on Mexican food. I could literally eat it every day and die a happy man. I never would have thought of putting poblanos into a pesto. Brilliant! And very, very sneaky 😉

    Reply
    • Nicole says

      Posted on 12/11/13 at 2:55 am

      Verrrrry sneaky!

      Reply
  4. Ashley says

    Posted on 12/10/13 at 10:23 pm

    haha I love the sneakiness : ) I am obsessed with mexican food too – I make it allll the time. And we never get sick of it. This pasta sounds delicious! And let’s just put it out there that I am slightly jealous of your upcoming trip lol I am dying for a vacation!

    Reply
    • Nicole says

      Posted on 12/11/13 at 2:55 am

      No better time than the present to book a vacay! Get on it! 😉

      Reply
  5. Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says

    Posted on 12/11/13 at 4:21 am

    This looks like my idea of one great dinner! Beautiful pictures girl!

    Reply
    • Nicole says

      Posted on 12/12/13 at 2:13 am

      Thank you Pamela!!

      Reply
  6. Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says

    Posted on 12/12/13 at 2:02 am

    I love Mexican food too, but I’ve never been to Mexico. Can’t wait to hear about your trip next month. This pasta is brilliant. I need to cook more Orecchiette. It’s one of my favorite pasta shapes, but it sure is hard to spell!

    Reply
    • Nicole says

      Posted on 12/12/13 at 2:15 am

      Ooo you’ve got to go! It’s one of our favorite spot; quick flight and very affordable. Oh my gosh, I had to google it to figure out how to spell it, and now I have to keep reverting back to my post whenever I try to spell it again.

      Reply
      • Linda says

        Posted on 12/12/13 at 4:47 pm

        This looks delicious. I live in Mexico so obviously I love “real Mexican food”. (Not tex-mex or californi-mex). If you’re a real foodie, you need to visit Oaxaca and try the traditional food from that part of the country. Mexico is like China, where different regions have very unique traditional flavors and foods. Better yet, why not take a cooking class while you’re there and learn how to prepare a traditional meal. Several local restaurantes have chef/owners that offer 1 day classes where you prepare your meal (some even start with taking you to the local market to buy the ingredients which is an experience in itself) and then you eat it for lunch. It’s a fun experience. Enjoy your trip…and no, hurricanes in Jan. don’t occur…barring a freak of nature.

        Reply
        • Nicole says

          Posted on 12/13/13 at 2:40 am

          Oooo I’m going to have to make it Oaxaca sometime! Do you know much about Puerto Vallarta?? I would love to take a cooking class while I’m there!

          Reply
          • Linda says

            Posted on 12/14/13 at 1:42 am

            I don’t know of any personally, but if you Google “cooking classes in Puerto Vallarta” and several options will pop up. Good luck and have a fun trip. Provecho!

  7. Karen @ The Food Charlatan says

    Posted on 12/12/13 at 7:03 pm

    Nicole! This looks amazing! I love that you guys are on a Mexican food diet. That’s really funny. I don’t think I could do it. It some fish tacos for me! I’m trying this.

    Reply
    • Nicole says

      Posted on 12/13/13 at 2:38 am

      Welp, I just broke the diet….again! So much for that! Apparently I can’ do it either!

      Reply

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