Once you go homemade basil pesto, you’ll never go back. Even better, Gotham Greens’ basil is on sale this week, meaning making your own pesto has never been easier. Our friends behind our favorite rooftop gardens have shared this super-easy recipe, which will make your summer night dinners that much more special. See the recipe after the jump!
Gotham Greens’ Cashew Pesto with Cavatelli
Serves 4
1 bag of cavatelli or another small pasta
2 containers of Gotham Greens Genovese Basil
1 pint of cherry tomatoes
1 garlic clove
1 1/2 ounces of cashews
1/2 cup of olive oil
1/2 cup of freshly grated Grana Padano cheese
Salt and pepper
Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta into large pot of boiling water and cook until al dente, approximately 5 minutes.
While pasta is cooking, combine garlic cloves and cashews into a food processor or blender and pulse until chopped. Add basil and olive oil and pulse until a paste forms. Add cheese, salt, pepper, and blend until smooth.
Strain the pasta but save 1 cup of cooking water to add later. Toss the hot pasta with the pesto in a large bowl and add reserved cooking water 1/4 cup at a time until saucy. Top with fresh tomato slices, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with more Grana Padano cheese and sliced tomatoes.