Zesty Wow Basil Pasta

This recipe is dedicated to Sue in Kendal, who bought this from me most weeks during lockdown. It was people like Sue who kept me going during that difficult time. This is rich and creamy but it’s flavour is light and it leaves you feeling packed full of energy. Make it for meat eaters, they will love! Make it for plant-based eaters, they will love! Broccoli is perfect because it carries the sauce. Twists are perfect because they carry the sauce. The sauce is perfect because it’s made with cashews for depth and yumminess.

By making this dish, you will acquire and practice the following skills:

• Pan-fry broccoli spears to keep them bright, tender, and slightly charred.
• Blitz cashews into fine meal and build a sauce without pre-soaking.
• Balance creaminess with Dijon, lemon juice, garlic, and nutritional yeast.
• Thicken sauces with a cornflour slurry to achieve cling and gloss.
• Chop basil finely to disperse flavour evenly through a cream base.
• Toast cashews for garnish and textural contrast.
• Make a balanced salad dressing (sweet, sharp, salty, peppery).
• Cook and oil pasta correctly so it doesn’t clump while you prep.

Watch each video in turn, have a go at the dish, and use the quiz as a friendly nudge to make the skill your own.

#zestywowbasilpasta

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