Max has developed an aversion to meat. Lilly is three and has an aversion to…well…most things. Especially vegetables. This complicates dinnertime a bit.
Luckily, no one is averse to pasta. Ever. Pesto remains one of my go-to choices for the easy/healthy/kid-friendly trifecta. Blending some asparagus, a handful of baby spinach, a few cloves of garlic, parmesan, pine nuts and olive oil in the VitamixĀ Ā has long been aĀ favorite strategyĀ forĀ fight-free dinnertime veggie consumption. After figuring out that edamame is one of the few proteins that Max will eat, I started tossing some of those into the mix as well.
Behold — asparagus, spinach and edamame pesto. Toss with hot pasta, add a handful of steamed edamame and asparagus tips, and a sprinkle of grated parmesan and dinner is ready.
Asparagus, Spinach and Edamame Pesto Sauce
1 bunch asparagus spears (about 1 lb), trimmed and chopped into 2-inch pieces, tips reserved separately
3 handfuls baby spinach leaves
1 cup shelled edamame, divided
3 cloves garlic, peeled
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
1/4Ā cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Juice of 1/2 lemon
3 Tbs.Ā extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup water
Salt & pepper to taste
1 lb. Spaghetti
Additional parmesan cheese, salt & pepper for garnish
- Combine asparagus stems (reserve tips for garnish), spinach, 1/2 cup edamame, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan lemon juice, olive oil and water in a blender.
- Cover securely and blend until mixture in smooth. Add additional water as needed to achieve the consistency of a thick sauce. Season with salt and pepper and refrigerate until ready to use. (Pesto may be covered tightly and refrigerated for 24 hours or frozen for up to 2 months).
- Prepare spaghetti according to package directions. Add reserved asparagus tips and edamame to boiling water during the lasts 4 minutes of cooking. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
- Drain pasta and veggies and add pesto sauce. Toss to combine, adding some of the pasta cooking water if needed to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Garnish with additional parmesan cheese, salt & pepper to serve.
Lindsay Ambrose says
Will definitely try this one. I love when I can secretly blend veggies in! Is this a new look for your blog too? Looks great
Will definitely try this one. I love when I can secretly blend veggies in! Is this a new look for your blog too? Looks great
Thanks Lindsay! Yes the sneaky veg thing is one of my favorite strategies. Glad you like the new look. I’m so happy to finally have it updated.
Thanks Lindsay! Yes the sneaky veg thing is one of my favorite strategies. Glad you like the new look. I’m so happy to finally have it updated.