Charred Scallion Pesto Pasta

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  • 4

Ingredients

  • Salt
  • 3 bunches scallions, trimmed and cut in half
  • Canola oil, for drizzling
  • Sea salt and pepper
  • 1 pound spaghetti or egg tagliatelle
  • 2 large cloves garlic, grated
  • 1 cup packed fresh basil
  • 1/2 cup packed flat-leaf parsley
  • 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh mint
  • 1/2 cup graed parmigiano-reggiano (a couple of handfuls)
  • 1 lemon, zested
  • 1/4 About 1/4 cup EVOO
  • Grated ricotta salata, for serving (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it.

Heat a skillet, grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high. In a large bowl, drizzle the scallions with canola oil if grilling, or add canola oil to the grill pan, 1 turn of the pan. Season the scallions with sea salt and pepper, then sear or char until lightly caramelized at the edges and blackened in a few spots, about 3 minutes. Place in a food processor and let cool.

Drop the pasta into the boiling water and cook until al dente.

Add the garlic, herbs, parmigiano-reggiano, lemon zest and EVOO to the scallions; pulse into a thick pesto. Transfer to a serving bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

Just before draining the pasta, add about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water to the sauce and stir to combine. Drain the pasta; toss with sauce 1 to 2 minutes. Top with ricotta salata and serve.