When the tomatoes are vine-ripe it's time to make Pesto al Trapanese. By far the easiest and tastiest sauce. Period, read on…
Kevin Penner, George Hirsch from George Hirsch Lifestyle TV series
Chef Kevin Penner has opened and exec’d many top kitchens; this segment was filmed on the South Fork of Long Island's CittaNuova in East Hampton, NY. His passion to be within steps of the farms has kept him closer to the roots & vines— and as he puts it, “can be found loitering in the kitchen at some of the highly acclaimed East End restaurants.” Luckily for those who get to sample his gift with food, I am happy he is still part of the East End Team!
To say the Pesto al Trapanese is incredible is an understatement. But, as Kevin or any great chef will tell you, it is about the ingredients. Underscore those tomatoes, no shortcuts.
Pesto al Trapanese by Chef Kevin Penner | chefkevinpenner.com
10 ounces heirloom cherry tomatoes, cut in half
1/3 cup roasted Marcona almonds
1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 small Calabrian chili in oil, minced (about 1/2 teaspoon) (see note)
Kosher salt
A pinch of red pepper flakes
1 pound pasta, preferably a long shape (spaghetti, linguine…I use house-made chitarra)
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated
INSTRUCTIONS
Blend the almonds, tomatoes, basil, garlic, Calabrian chili, salt to taste, and red pepper flakes in a blender until smooth and homogenous. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. With the machine running, slowly drizzle in Evo, about 30 seconds.
Bring one gallon of water to boil in a large pot. Add pasta and 3 tablespoons of salt and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup cooking water; drain pasta and transfer back to the cooking pot.
Add tomato pesto and ½ cup Parmesan to cooked pasta, tweaking the consistency with reserved pasta cooking water so that pesto coats pasta and forms a nice, creamy emulsion. Serve quickly with extra cheese on the side.
LIMITED OFFER, LIMITED EDITION, signed by Chef George.
From the original Grilling TV Series host, 200 Fabulous Recipe—Celebrating the joyous rituals of sharing food at year-round festivities, the star of PBS's Grilling with Chef George Hirsch provides a wealth of recipes and ideas for great party foods, plus advance preparation tips to ease the strain of last minute chores.
Hardcover: 310 pages
Publisher: Hearst Books-HarperCollins; 1St edition (June 12, 1995)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0688142257
ISBN-13: 978-0688142254
Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 8.1 x 1.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
This easy to live with lifestyle plan; with more than 165 of George's easy-to-prepare gourmet recipes, you can lose weight, maintain energy, look better, and enjoy a longer active life, by eating great food!
M.Evans and Company, Inc.
George Starts your year off right!
George Hirsch Living it UP
Recipes for a Healthy Active Life
Product Details
Hardcover: 240 pages; $24.95
Publisher: M. Evans and Company, Inc.; 2000
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0871319241
ISBN-13: 978-0871319241
Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
Creative Cooking tips
Fast Easy recipes that allow for an active lifestyle
A 30-Day Menu Plan you can adapt throughout the year
Support and motivation for staying on a healthy eating & exercise routine
Tips for easy food shopping & eating healthy on the run
Each book is personally autographed by George Hirsch.
AS SEEN ON PUBLIC TELEVISION & CREATE TV- SEASON ONE
FEATURING CHEF GEORGE HIRSCH DEMONSTRATING HIS SAVORY COOKING, BAKING AND GRILLING RECIPES; WITH HIS EXPERT CULINARY TIPS & TECHNIQUES, ALONG WITH VISITS TO HIS INSPIRING HAMPTON LOCATIONS.