char-grilled asparagus
and parsley pesto pasta
- 300g green asparagus, trimmed
- ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil, plus extra, for brushing
- sea salt and cracked pepper
- 2 cups flat-leaf parsley leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 10 white anchovy fillets
- ½ cup (40g) finely grated parmesan, plus extra, to serve
- 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon rind
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 400g spaghetti
- micro parsley leaves, to serve (optional)
- Preheat a char-grill pan over high heat. Brush the asparagus with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for 8–10 minutes or until just charred. Allow to cool slightly and roughly chop.
- Place in a food processor with the oil, parsley, garlic, anchovy fillets, parmesan, lemon rind, lemon juice, salt and pepper and process until roughly chopped. Set aside.
- Cook the pasta in a large saucepan of salted boiling water for 10–12 minutes or until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup (250ml) of the cooking liquid. Return the pasta to the saucepan with the pesto and reserved liquid and toss to combine. Divide between plates and top with micro parsley leaves and extra parmesan to serve. Serves 4.
© DONNA HAY GROUP
