Southeast Asian Pesto Noodles

Recipe

Southeast Asian Pesto Noodles

Lemongrass Infused Pesto Noodles: A Southeast Asian Twist on a Classic Italian Dish

4.5 out of 5

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia with this unique twist on the classic Italian dish, Trenette al pesto. This recipe combines the aromatic herbs and spices of Southeast Asian cuisine with the traditional pesto sauce, resulting in a harmonious fusion of flavors.

Jan Dec
Pasta› Trenette al pesto
European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Italian cuisine
Asian cuisine› Southeast Asian cuisine

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

10 minutes

Total time

25 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Gluten-free (if using gluten-free noodles), Dairy-free, Nut-free (if omitting or substituting the pine nuts)

Allergens

Peanuts, Garlic

Not suitable for

Vegan (due to the use of fish sauce), Paleo, Keto, Low-carb, Soy-free (if using store-bought pesto sauce)

Ingredients

In this Southeast Asian adaptation of Trenette al pesto, we infuse the pesto sauce with lemongrass, cilantro, Thai chili, and fish sauce to give it a distinct Southeast Asian flavor profile. The addition of these ingredients adds a refreshing and tangy twist to the traditional Italian dish, creating a unique fusion of cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Trenette al pesto, so you can check it out.

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
  • Fat (total, saturated): 32g, 4g
  • Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 2g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    Cook the trenette noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. 2.
    In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, cilantro leaves, lemongrass, garlic, Thai chilies, pine nuts, olive oil, fish sauce, and lime juice. Process until smooth and well combined.
  3. 3.
    In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked trenette noodles with the pesto sauce until evenly coated.
  4. 4.
    Serve the Southeast Asian Pesto Noodles garnished with crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro leaves.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Lemongrass — To release the flavor, bruise the lemongrass stalks with the back of a knife before finely chopping them.
  • Thai chilies — Adjust the amount of Thai chilies according to your spice preference. For a milder version, use only one chili or omit them entirely.
  • Pine nuts — Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until lightly golden before using them in the pesto. This will enhance their nutty flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add more Thai chilies or even include some sliced fresh red chili peppers.
  • Customize the dish by adding cooked shrimp or grilled chicken for extra protein.
  • If lemongrass is not available, you can use lemongrass paste or lemongrass powder as a substitute.
  • To make the dish more substantial, you can add sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms.

Serving advice

Serve the Southeast Asian Pesto Noodles as a main course, accompanied by a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled seafood or meat.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts and a few fresh cilantro leaves to add a pop of color and texture. Serve it in a vibrant bowl to showcase the beautiful green color of the pesto.

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