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Basil Lemon Pasta

My kitchen graden is in full swing. There are plenty of peppers, herbs, greens, and specially tomatoes....I am trying my best to either use these veggies and herbs or distribute them to friends . I try my best to make different dishes from same veggies so family is not bored. This Basil lemon Pasta is a creation from homegrown tomatoes, bell pepper, and basil. I have used Rotini pasta which is is a helix or corkscrew shaped pasta. To read more about pasta plese click here. This pasta dish is a very colorful and attractive. I have added vegetables to make it healthier and I have also added red chili flakes to provide an extra zing. Try out this beautiful pasta and please do not forget to write your valuable comments....Happy cooking, Shuchi

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For paneer pesto sauce

• Fresh Basil Leaves 3/4 cup, packed
• Lemon juice 3 tbsp
• Honey/ brown sugar 1½ tsp
• Salt 3/4 tsp/ to taste
• Black pepper/ red chili flakes to taste
• Olive oil 3 tbsp

For Pasta Boiling

• Rotini pasta 230gms/ about ½ pound / 8 ounce
• Water about 8-10cups to boil the pasta
• Salt 2 tsp

For Final Pasta dish

• Onion 1 medium
• Red bell pepper 1 medium
• Cherry taomatoes as per taste
• Basil leaves few to garnish
• Olive oil 2 tsp

1. Wash and pat dry basil leaves.
2. In the blender take basil leaves. Coarsely grind the basil leaves.
3. Transfer the ground basil leaves in a glass container. Add olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon juice and honey. Mix well.

1. Boil water in a big sauce pan. When water starts boiling add 2 tsp salt and pasta of your choice. I have used Rotini pasta.
2. Boil until pasta are soft but firm. The cooking time is different for different variety of pastas. Read the instructions written on pasta packet for better idea. Drain lightly, pasta should remain soft.

1. Peel , wash, and cut onion into half inch pieces.
2. Wash cherry tomatoes and pat dry them on kitchen towel.
3. Cut bell pepper into half inch pieces.
4. Heat olive oil in a pan/ wok. Add onion pieces. Sauté for a minute or until onions are transluscent. Add bell pepper. Sauté for a minute.
5. Add cooked pasta. Toss well with veggies. Add basil lemon dressing and tomatoes.Toss well by using 2 wooden spatulas.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
7. Delicious basil lemon pasta is ready to serve. Garnish with basil leaves and serve.

1. Basil is a fragrant herb important for Italian cooking. Basil belongs to the same family like Tulsi. Do not get confused with Tulsi (the holy Indian herb - also known as holy basil). You can easily grow basil at home. You can also use holy basil, it is a bit stronger but has nice aroma.

1. I have added colorful vegetables to make this dish attractive to eyes and healthy.
2. You can make this basil lemon dressing and store it in fridge for a a couple of days. It can be used in salad, breads, sandwitches etc.
3. I have used Rotini pasta but feel free to use any other pasta of your choice.

Some other Italian dishes

Some other Pasta dishes

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