Ron Suhanoskys Mint Pesto Recipes

Steps:

• Put the pine nuts in a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Add the mint, garlic, rosemary and 1/4 teaspoon salt and pulse until finely chopped. Add the Grana Padano and pulse to combine. With the motor running, slowly pour in the olive oil and process until combined. Transfer to a bowl.

Steps:

• Place all ingredients in the jar of a blender. Blend until smooth.

Steps:

• Blend the mint, basil, nuts, cheese, lemon juice, garlic, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper in a food processor until the herbs are finely chopped. With the machine running, gradually blend in 1/3 cup of oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Generously sprinkle the lamb racks with salt and pepper. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a grill pan or heavy large skillet over high heat. Place 1 lamb rack in the skillet and cook just until brown, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer the lamb rack meat side up on a heavy large baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining 2 lamb racks.
• Roast the lamb in the oven until cooked to desired doneness, about 20 minutes for medium-rare. Transfer the lamb racks to a work surface. Set aside for 10 minutes. Cut the lamb between the bones into single chops. Spread the pesto over 1 cut side of each chop. Arrange the chops, pesto side up, on plates or a platter, and serve.
• Do-Ahead Tip: The pesto and lamb racks may be prepared up to this point 1 day ahead. Cover the pesto and lamb separately and refrigerate. Allow extra time for the chilled lamb to roast.
• Alternately, the racks of lamb can be sliced then broiled before serving. To broil the lamb: Use 18 to 24 meaty single lamb rib chops (about 2 1/2 ounces each, from 3 racks of lamb). Preheat the broiler. Arrange the lamb chops in a single layer over 2 heavy baking sheets. Lightly brush the lamb chops with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Watching closely, broil the lamb chops 3 inches from the heat source until cooked to desired doneness, about 3 minutes per side for medium-rare. Spread the pesto over the chops. Arrange the chops pesto side up on plates or a platter, and serve.
• RECOMMENDED WINE #1: Boroli Barolo 1998
• REGION/ORIGIN: Barolo, Piedmont
• GRAPE/VARIETAL: Nebbiolo
• RECOMMENDED WINE #2: Avignonesi Vino Nobile d'Montepulciano 2001
• REGION/ORIGIN: Montepulciano, Tuscany
• GRAPE/VARIETAL: Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile - local clone of sangiovese)

Steps:

• Cook the peas in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until just tender, then drain and refresh in cold water. Pat dry.
• Tip the peas into a food processor and add the garlic, pine nuts, parmesan, mint and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, then pulse very briefly until the ingredients are roughly chopped. Don't overdo it - they should still have lots of texture. (You can freeze the pesto at this point.)
• Cook the spaghetti according to packet instructions until al dente - that's with a bit of bite still. Drain, reserving some of the cooking water.
• To serve, toss the spaghetti with the pesto and about 2 tbsp of the water. Pile into warmed bowls and serve at once, with parmesan and olive oil at the table.

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the manufacturer's instructions for al dente pasta.
• Meanwhile, put the mint leaves, pistachios and garlic in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. While still pulsing, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Remove the lid and use your hands to break up the wedge of pecorino into small chunks and add them to the food processor along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse until well combined but there are still small pieces of pecorino throughout the mixture. (You do not want to blend too much because it will cause the mint to brown.) Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
• Transfer the pesto to a large high-sided skillet. When the pasta is cooked to al dente, use a large slotted spoon to lift the pasta out of the pot and directly into the skillet. Stir to combine. Turn the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until the excess water from the pasta has evaporated and some of the pecorino has started to melt, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and butter if using. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
• Transfer to a large platter and garnish with the grated pecorino and whole mint leaves. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Steps:

• Put the pistachios in a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Add the mint, garlic, lemon zest, red pepper flakes and 1/4 teaspoon salt and pulse until finely chopped. Add the Pecorino-Romano and pulse to combine. With the motor running, slowly pour in the oil and process until combined. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the olives.

Steps:

• For the beef: Drizzle the tenderloin all over with olive oil. In a bowl, combine the paprika and salt. Place plenty of black pepper on a plate. Sprinkle the paprika and salt mixture on the beef, then press the beef into the pepper to coat. Wrap tightly and rest at room temperature for 2 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Unwrap the beef and place on a wire rack set on a baking sheet. Roast until the internal temperature is about 120 degrees F, 25 to 35 minutes. Remove and rest at room temperature or refrigerate.
• For the pesto: In a food processor, combine the parsley, pecans, rosemary, sage, mint, garlic and lemon zest and juice. Pulse while slowly adding enough olive oil until the desired consistency is reached, like a dip. Taste and season with salt. Refrigerate until needed.
• To serve: Slice the beef and serve warm or at room temperature alongside the pesto, crackers and crostini.

Steps:

• Line an 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-inch loaf pan with parchment paper; set aside.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter until smooth. Add goat cheese, in batches, and beat until well combined and no lumps of butter remain. Season with salt and pepper; beat until well combined.
• Divide goat cheese mixture into 3 equal portions. Using an offset spatula, carefully spread one portion of the goat cheese mixture over the bottom of the prepared terrine mold; top with pesto, spreading evenly to cover.
• Spread a second portion of goat cheese mixture on top of the pesto and top with jam, spreading evenly to cover. Top with remaining portion of goat cheese mixture; cover with plastic wrap. Transfer to refrigerator and chill until firm. Slice crosswise and serve with crackers.