Southeast Asian Pesto Noodles

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.

• 250 grams (8.8 oz) trenette noodles 250 grams (8.8 oz) trenette noodles
• 2 cups (40 grams) fresh basil leaves 2 cups (40 grams) fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup (20 grams) fresh cilantro leaves 1 cup (20 grams) fresh cilantro leaves
• 2 stalks lemongrass, white part only, finely chopped 2 stalks lemongrass, white part only, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic 3 cloves garlic
• 2 Thai chilies, seeds removed 2 Thai chilies, seeds removed
• 1/4 cup (35 grams) pine nuts 1/4 cup (35 grams) pine nuts
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) crushed peanuts, for garnish 1/4 cup (30 grams) crushed peanuts, for garnish
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

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.