Thai Style Pesto With Rice Pasta Recipes

THAI PESTO

Steps:

• Blend cilantro, peanut butter, garlic, olive oil, ginger, fish sauce, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper in a blender until smooth.

MEXICAN-STYLE PESTO WITH RICE OR WHOLE GRAIN PASTA

Steps:

• Set aside or prepare the stock.
• Char and blister the chile peppers by placing over a burner, an open flame or under a broiler, and turning until black. Place the charred peppers in a small bowl and cover until cool enough to handle. Peel and seed the peppers and add them to a food processor. Meanwhile, lightly toast nuts and add to the processor bowl. Add the cilantro, spicy greens, marjoram, garlic, cumin, lime juice, a splash of stock, salt, and pepper, then pour in about 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil and pulse the processor to form the pesto sauce. Place in a container, cover, and store in the refrigerator for a make-ahead meal.
• To serve, place the pesto in the bottom of a large serving bowl. Heat a large pot of water to a boil for pasta, salt the water and cook pasta to al dente. Just before draining, add a ladle of starchy cooking water to the pesto, drain the pasta and add the hot pasta to the serving bowl and toss 1 to 2 minutes, serve immediately with grated Manchego on top.
• Place the cheese rind, herb bundle, onion, celery, carrots, lemon rind, bay leaves, chicken stock, and water into a pot and bring to a bubble, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer at least 1 hour, and then remove the rind, herb bundle, and vegetables with a slotted spoon or strainer.

THAI-STYLE RICE CRACKERS WITH PERSIMMON SAMBAL

Steps:

• Spread the hot leftover rice in a thin layer on a sheet pan and place in a 200 degree F oven overnight or until dry and crispy. Let the rice continue to dry at room temperature for another day for best results.
• Break the rice into large chunks and deep fry at 375 degrees F until they puff up and float, approximately 1 minute. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
• Grate the persimmons on the large hole of a cheese grater, add the remaining ingredients, and adjust seasoning.
• Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to let flavors blend. Serve the rice crackers with the dip. Best if eaten within 4 hours.