Thursday, June 21, 2012

Pasta with Shrimp and Cilantro Pesto



From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...I don't recall seeing bow-tie pasta the entire time we were in Thailand, but I 'm not a stickler and think it's only fair to cut recipe developers some slack. The recipe that inspired tonight's feature comes from Epicurious, where it is called Bow Thai Pasta with Shrimp. This is a fusion recipe that combines elements of Italian, Asian and Latin American cuisine, and I know that at least some of you will enjoy it. If you like cilantro, I think you'll like this dish. If you are not a fan, come back tomorrow when I, hopefully, will have something more to your liking. The star of this dish is a cilantro pesto. The other main ingredients are tossed with the pesto and, once they are coated, the dish is ready for serving. With only three ingredients to deal with, this entrée is extremely easy to prepare. I've made a few changes to the original recipe to better suit our tastes. I've used elbow macaroni instead of the bow-ties because I think the elbows distribute the pesto in a more even manner and help dilute the taste a bit. While the quantity of peanuts and pepper flakes is given as a range, I recommend you use the larger amount. When it comes to the lime juice, start with 1 tablespoon and taste your way to a level you find enjoyable. I guarantee the dish will need salt. How much is always a variable, so I leave that to your taste. If you're in a hurry, purchase precooked shrimp. They will work well here. This is a nice busy day entrée and I hope you will give it a try. Here's the recipe.

Pasta with Shrimp and Cilantro Pesto...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite inspired by Epicurious

Ingredients:
3 large garlic cloves, crushed
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
1 bunch fresh cilantro, stemmed (about 2 cups)
1/4 to 1/2 cup dry-roasted peanuts
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
1/2 cup peanut oil
8 ounces elbow or bow tie pasta
12 to 16 ounces cooked peeled deveined medium shrimp
4 green onions, chopped (including green tops)
1 to 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Directions:
1) To make pesto: With processor or blender running, drop garlic and ginger through feed tube. Add cilantro, peanuts and red pepper. With machine running, gradually add oil. Season to taste with salt. (Can be prepared 6 hours and up to 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
2) Bring pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook until just tender. Place shrimp in colander. Pour pasta into colander. Drain. Return shrimp and pasta to pot. Add pesto sauce, onions and lime juice. Toss to coat. Divide between plates and serve. Yield: 3 to 4 servings.








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28 comments :

Lynda said...

This dish is a perfect summer dish. With our hot summer in full force, I'm looking for quick and tasty meals. This will do nicely. thanks for posting Mary.

Angie's Recipes said...

A really tasty pasta. Shrimps and cilantro pesto are both my favoruites.

Catherine said...

Dear Mary, this dish is absolutely perfect for the warmer days. So fresh and delicious! Blessings my dear, your friend, Catherine xo

Lenia said...

A tasteful pasta dish with ingredients I love!Blessings,dear Mary!

Cool Chic Style Fashion said...

Deliziosa :)

Diane said...

I love pasta, shrimp and cilantro so this can only be a perfect recipe :) Have a good day Diane

Priya Suresh said...

Simply irresistible,delicious pasta and makes me drool..

Rosie Swaffer said...

This looks absolutely lovely!
I followed your blog on GFC quite recently so, like you say, I won't miss out on one of your recipes.
I may actually try this one out this weekend, If I do, I'll post it on my blog and link back to yours :)
http://rosieposiespuddingsandpies.blogspot.co.uk/

Tanna said...

You have to admit the Bow Thai name is pretty cute. LOL! Love shrimp AND cilantro... ginger and garlic and peanuts... what's not to love about this one?! blessings ~ tanna

Kim said...

To me, it's the perfect summer dish!!!! Like this meal!

Ola said...

I absolutely love cilantro pesto, but unfortunately I'm alergic for shrimps :( maybe I can make this pasta with chicken - like I do with everything what contains seafood :) blessings!

Ellen B Cookery said...

This sounds divine!

Unknown said...

This is a pasta dish right up my alley! I could eat pasta and shrimp every day! I love the use of cilantro in the pesto instead of the standard basil. Sounds wonderful!

Merisi said...

I read up and down your recent blog posts and wished I could reach through the screen and get a taste of everything!

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

This one one tasty dish Mary. The cilantro pesto is definitely worth a try!

Erica said...

I love cilantro pesto! I usually use it on top of fish! This is a great idea,Mary!

Ana Regalado said...

I love the Asian flavor of this pasta ! It looks so refreshingly delicious !

David said...

Mary... We love pasta and we love shrimp. This looks like a great combo! Thanks for the recipe... Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

Anonymous said...

this really is a perfect bite - lovely flavors with the peanut and lime - delicious
mary x

Ellen B Cookery said...

Pllease check out my latest post about the blogger award. I have nominated you!

Suzie said...

Oh, I'm so making this. I love every single ingredient and I'm a sucker for shrimp dishes. Perfect summer meal.

Sue/the view from great island said...

I'm so curious about the cilantro pesto, it sounds wonderful. I linked to your Masa Harina Cornbread in my post today!

Tricia @ saving room for dessert said...

I've never made cilantro pesto but it sounds great. Since I have it growing in the garden, this might make it on the menu! Lovely dish.

T.W. Barritt at Culinary Types said...

What a great mix of colors, flavors and textures. Anything with roasted peanuts thrown in with get my attention!

Jennifer Kendall said...

i love that cilantro pesto! this sounds like a delicious bowl of pasta!

JG said...

Shrimp, pasta and lime juice always get my attention. This looks so good, Mary, especially on a hot evening like tonight!
~Judy

Juliana said...

Great pasta Mary, I love everything that has cilantro, therefore I will love this pasta...and yum with shrimps.
Thanks for the recipe and hope you are enjoying your week :)

Blond Duck said...

I want these and the pb blondies! :)

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