Pesto Tossed Corn Leeks And Green Bean Side Recipes

CHARRED GREEN BEANS WITH LEMON VERBENA PESTO

Steps:

• Prepare a hot fire in your grill.
• Toss the beans with olive oil and place in a perforated grill basket or wok set on a baking sheet.
• For the Lemon Verbena Pesto, combine the lemon verbena, garlic, cheese, and nuts in a food processor and pulse to puree. Slowly add the olive oil with the processor running until the mixture thickens and emulsifies, about 1 minute. Season to taste with salt and pepper. The pesto will keep in the refrigerator for 7 to 10 days or it may be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Place the grill wok or basket directly over the fire and stir-grill tossing the beans with wooden paddles or grill spatulas until crisp-tender, about 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer the grilled beans to a large bowl and toss with about 1/4 cup of the Lemon Verbena Pesto or to taste.

GREEN BEAN PESTO

Steps:

• Blanch the green beans in boiling salted water for 1 1/2 minutes. Remove them to an ice bath and then drain them in a colander.
• Transfer the beans to the bowl of a food processor and add the garlic, salt, and pepper. Puree for 30 seconds and add half the oil while the motor is running. Add the pumpkin seeds and the remaining oil and process for 10 to 15 seconds, until smooth.
• Make Ahead
• The pesto can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.