Asian Flavored Pesto

We tend to think of basil as an Italian herb, but it is widely used throughout Asia as well. This is a take on a basic pesto, substituting peanuts or sesame seeds for the traditional Italian pine nuts. It will make a great sauce for noodles. You can also make it without any nuts, to use as an addition to soups. It should freeze just as well as regular pesto, so make extra to freeze into ice cubes that will add some excitement to your wintertime produce.

Ingredients

• 2 large handfuls basil
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger and/or lemongrass
• Fresh chile or jalapeno, to taste
• 1 clove garlic
• ¼ cup peanuts or sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• Dash of soy sauce, to taste

Directions

Pulse nuts in food processor or blender, until well ground. Add garlic and fresh chile pepper and pulse again to incorporate. Finish by adding the rest of the ingredients and puree until smooth. Taste, and add more soy sauce, as necessary.

Submitted by Sara Jones, Tucson CSA