Best 2 Lemon Balm Pesto Spaghetti Recipes

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Indulge in a symphony of flavors with Lemon Balm Pesto Spaghetti, a delectable dish that combines the refreshing zest of lemon balm with the nutty richness of pesto and the satisfying texture of spaghetti. This vibrant recipe is a delightful fusion of fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and zesty citrus, creating a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes the taste buds. With its vibrant green color and enticing aroma, Lemon Balm Pesto Spaghetti is a feast for the eyes and the palate. Discover the art of crafting this exquisite dish with our step-by-step guide, complemented by stunning visuals that capture the essence of each culinary creation.

This article presents a collection of delectable recipes that revolve around the harmonious blend of lemon balm and pesto. From the classic Lemon Balm Pesto Spaghetti to the innovative Lemon Balm Pesto Pizza, each recipe showcases the versatility of this dynamic duo. Embark on a culinary journey as we guide you through the process of crafting these flavorful dishes, providing detailed instructions, helpful tips, and inspiring variations to suit your preferences. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook seeking culinary adventures, our recipes are designed to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

LEMON PESTO SPAGHETTI



Lemon Pesto Spaghetti image

Provided by Mary McCartney

Categories     main-dish

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon pine nuts
Flaky sea salt
14 ounces dried spaghetti
2 cups fresh basil plus a handful of leaves, for garnish
1 small clove garlic, peeled
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 lemon, juiced
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • To toast the pine nuts, tip 1 tablespoon of the nuts into a dry saute pan over medium-high heat and toast, tossing constantly, until golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Set aside.
  • Add a generous pinch of flaky sea salt to a large saucepan of boiling water. Add the spaghetti and cook as per packet instructions. It should take about 8 to 10 minutes.
  • For the pesto, put 2 cups basil, the remaining 1/3 cup pine nuts, garlic, extra-virgin olive oil and lemon juice into a food processor. Blitz until everything is well blended.
  • When the pasta is just cooked (al dente) drain it in a colander. Add the pesto to the saucepan then tip the pasta back in. Stir well to make sure every strand of pasta is coated in the pesto.
  • Tip into a large family-style serving dish, garnish with the toasted pine nuts and a few basil leaves.

LEMON VERBANA OR LEMON BALM PESTO



Lemon Verbana or Lemon Balm Pesto image

Light and lemony, this pesto makes a perfect pasta sauce in the spring. Serve on high-protein rotini to create a main dish. Also excellent as a sandwich spread or on crackers as an appetizer. Lemon verbana or lemon balm pesto is more delicate than traditional basil pesto, but makes a lovely seasonal treat. Lemon balm is a perennial herb that is very easy to grow and lovely enough for the front garden. It's an excellent example of an ornamental plant that requires very little care, yet can provide you with free food for years after you plant it. Take cuttings freely; like most herbs, the balm will produce fresh new leaves when pinched back. Let it seed in in the fall, then the next spring pull any unwanted new plants to make a big batch of lemon-balm pesto. Freeze what you don't use within two or three days.

Provided by Sharon123

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 18m

Yield 8 1/4 cup servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 garlic cloves
2 cups lemon balm leaves, tightly packed (or lemon verbana leaves)
1 cup shelled walnuts
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
6 ounces parmesan cheese, grated
fresh ground black pepper
salt

Steps:

  • Rinse lemon balm well in a bowl of water. Let it soak until needed.
  • Grate parmesan if needed.
  • Peel garlic. Set up your food processor with the cutting blade or use a blender. Turn the machine on and drop the garlic in while the blade is turning. Turn off when garlic is minced, after about 10 seconds.
  • Rinse the lemon balm well and pat dry with towel. Remove leaves and put in food processor or blender. Put walnuts and salt on top of leaves. Process until finely chopped but still a bit rough.
  • With the machine going, slowly pour in olive oil.
  • Stop the machine and add parmesan cheese. Process briefly to mix. Taste. Add salt and pepper as needed.
  • To serve, stir pesto into hot cooked pasta or spread on bread or crackers. Eat warm or at room temperature.
  • Refrigerate or freeze any extra.
  • Enjoy!

Tips:

  • Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest lemon balm, basil, and parsley for the best flavor. If you can, pick them from your own garden or buy them from a local farmer's market.
  • Quality Olive Oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil. This will make a big difference in the taste of the pesto.
  • Toast the Pine Nuts: Toasting the pine nuts will bring out their flavor and make them more fragrant.
  • Use a Food Processor: A food processor will make quick work of making the pesto. However, you can also use a mortar and pestle if you prefer.
  • Taste and Adjust: Taste the pesto before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more lemon juice, salt, or pepper.

Conclusion:

Lemon balm pesto spaghetti is a delicious and refreshing pasta dish that is perfect for summer. The lemon balm gives the pesto a bright, citrusy flavor that is complemented by the garlic, basil, and parsley. The pine nuts add a touch of crunch and the Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor. This dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

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