Tort Pesto for the Win
Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 package Tortellini - any kind
1 small handful fresh basil
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup yogurt
1/4 cup goat cheese
1/4 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup shredded moz cheese
Pinch of Salt
Tools
Sm-Med sized Pot
Strainer
Kettle
Ninja, Bullet or other Blender
Wooden spoon
This was totally on the fly. I was rushing in from a playdate and knew I needed to get something in them quickly. I had a package of Trader Joes pesto tortellini and had grabbed a bunch of basil on my way in from the car from one of the mini raised beds I have on the side of my house. I got some cucumber slices on the kids plates and then went to work. It took me all of 7 minutes. Heres what I did:
1. Put the kettle on to boil. This is the fastest way to boil water.
2. While the water is boiling, take out your blender of choie. Throw in the basil, olive oil, salt, yogurt, goat cheese. Blend. Taste. You can always add more or less of any ingredient. You want it to taste and look like a yummy light green salad dressing. If its too thick, add more yogurt or oil.
3. Water should be boiled. Put a pot on high, pour water in, until about 3/4 of the way full. Add tortellini. Cook based on instructions on package, but take off 1-2 minutes. We don't want these to overcook and we still have to add the sauce.
4. When cooked just slightly under, turn off the heat, remove from stove and strain the water in the sink. Return the torts into the pot and off of the burner you just used so it doesnt keep cooking. Add the peas and sauce you made to the tort. Yum!
5. Okay now the best part: throw in the shredded moz and stir! It should melt into this amazing ooey-gooey-ness.
6. Try it! Does it taste good? Say it out loud so your kids get excited! Add salt or pepper if it needs it.
7. I took the whole pot over to the kids and showed them the what was in it. I also used the spoon to pull up the cheese and get them super amped up about it.
8. Serve and enjoy knowing that your kids are eating well, you did it in a snap and guess what, you only have 1 pot, 1 spoon and 1 blender attachment to really clean.
Pro move here is to get those things soaking in the sink with soapy water while you are eating with the kids. That way clean up is a snap.