Angel Hair with Tomato and Fennel Pesto

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups (360mL) boiling water

1 1/2 cups (225g) sun-dried tomatoes

1 small bulb fennel

2 cloves garlic

1/2 cup (20g) fresh basil leaves

2 Tbsp (5g) fresh oregano leaves or 1/2 tsp (1g) dried oregano

1 Tbsp (15mL) lemon juice

1/2 tsp (3g) sea salt*

3 Tbsp (45mL) olive oil (optional)

3 quarts (2.8L) boiling water

16 ounces (455g) angel hair pasta

Sliced ripe olives, grated Parmesan cheese* (optional), freshly ground black pepper, roasted pinenuts, and oregano or basil sprigs for garnish

Directions

Pour boiling water over tomatoes; allow to sit until soft and pliable, about 5 to 8 minutes. Drain and reserve liquid. Quarter fennel bulb; remove and discard core. Thinly slice fennel.

Combine one-fourth of the fennel with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, basil, oregano, lemon juice, salt and olive oil in a food processor or blender. Process until smooth, adding reserved tomato-soaking water a bit at a time until desired consistency is reached. Allow to rest while preparing pasta; if possible, let flavors blend 30 to 60 minutes.

Bring 3 quarts water (2.8L) to a boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain pasta. Combine with pesto in a large serving bowl. Toss together until evenly mixed.

To serve, mound pasta in center of each of six plates. Scatter remaining fennel over top of pasta and garnish as desired.

Variation: For a richer sauce, add up to 1/2 cup pine nuts before processing, then add 1/3 to 1/4 cup (60 to 80mL) extra liquid as needed.

* Allergy notes: People following a corn-free diet should avoid iodized salt since it contains dextrose, which should be avoided by those allergic to corn. The egg protein lysozyme is an unlabeled additive in some cheeses. People allergic to eggs should eliminate any cheese in this recipe.

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The information presented in Foodnotes is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2003.