One of my favorite things to do is to make food for people. It is, without a doubt, the way I show love. If I get excited to feed you, chances are I love you. While I am sure cooking would fall into the “Acts of Service” Love Language category, I really do think we should add a 6th love language, and it should just be called Food. And if you end up making this mint, pea, pesto burrata, buttery toast dish, I hope you love it as much I loved sharing it with all of you. It would be a great addition to your Easter table if you celebrate, and it pairs really well with the Spring veg cobb salad I shared two days ago.
This is inspired by a dish I had at an Italian restaurant in LA called OSTE. It was so damn good I immediately knew I wanted to recreate it. This would be a perfect appetizer for Easter (at least in my Italian opinion, lol) or, honestly, just whenever. It’s effing good.
Mint, pea, pesto, and burrata are all delicious ingredients that can add a lot of flavor and texture to toast. Here are some possible reasons why they go so well together:
Complementary flavors: Mint, peas, pesto, and burrata all have flavors that complement each other. Mint has a fresh, herbal flavor that can balance out the creaminess of the burrata and the richness of the pesto. Peas have a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
Textural contrast: Toast provides a crunchy base that can contrast nicely with the soft and creamy burrata. Peas can add a bit of crunch as well, while pesto can provide a smooth and silky texture.
Visual appeal: The bright green color of the peas and pesto can create an attractive visual contrast against the toasted bread and white burrata.
Versatility: Mint, peas, pesto, and burrata are all versatile ingredients that can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be used in salads, pasta dishes, sandwiches, and more, which means they can be combined in many different ways to create interesting and delicious flavor combinations.
Overall, the combination of mint, peas, pesto, and burrata on toast is a tasty and satisfying meal that combines complementary flavors and textures.
Peas are a nutritious vegetable that is packed with a range of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients. Peas are also a good source of various vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C: 21% of the Daily Value (DV), Vitamin K: 24% of the DV, Vitamin B1 (thiamin): 16% of the DV, Vitamin B6: 10% of the DV, Folate: 16% of the DV, Iron: 5% of the DV, Magnesium: 8% of the DV, Potassium: 7% of the DV.
Peas are also rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect against oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. They are nutritious providing a range of health benefits when included as part of a balanced and varied diet. Mint and basil are both herbs used in a variety of dishes to add flavor and aroma. They are also rich in various nutrients and can offer several health benefits. Here are some of the potential health benefits of mint and basil:
Health Benefits of Mint:
Digestive Health: Mint has been traditionally used to aid digestion and relieve gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating and gas. It may also help to reduce nausea.
Fresh Breath: Mint has a natural refreshing effect and can help to freshen breath and reduce bad breath.
Anti-inflammatory: Mint contains anti-inflammatory compounds such as rosmarinic acid and menthol, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body.
Antioxidant: Mint is also a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect against oxidative stress and free radical damage.
Health Benefits of Basil:
Anti-inflammatory: Like mint, basil contains anti-inflammatory compounds such as eugenol and rosmarinic acid, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body.
Immune System Support: Basil is rich in vitamins A and C, which can help to support a healthy immune system.
Cardiovascular Health: Basil may help to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, thanks to its high content of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Anti-microbial: Basil contains essential oils that have antimicrobial properties, which can help to fight off harmful bacteria and other pathogens.
Mint, pea, pesto w/ burrata & toast
BASIL & PEA PESTO
1/4 cup toasted, salted pumpkin seeds
2 cloves garlic
Pinch red pepper flakes
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
4 oz (3 packed cups) fresh basil
1/3 cup peas
1 large lemon, juiced
2/3 cup olive oil, more as needed
Salt and pepper to taste
TO FINISH
1/3 cup fresh mint, chopped, plus more for garnish
1/2 cup peas
1 ball burrata cheese
Lemon zest & juice
Olive oil
Parmesan cheese
Buttery toast
DIRECTIONS
In a food processor, add the pumpkin seeds (walnuts/pine nuts also work), garlic, red pepper, and Parmesan, and pulse until crumbly. Then add in the basil, peas, and lemon and pulse for about 30 seconds. Then, while on low, add in the olive oil until you have a chunky, spreadable mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
To assemble: pour the pesto into a shallow dish/plate with a raised edge. Stir in the mint and peas. Put the burrata in the center, garnish with lemon zest & juice, olive oil, and Parmesan, and serve with toast. Enjoy.
Also, if you have been loving my recipes then, I am so excited to share that my first-ever cookbook Vegan Buddha Bowls is now available for order.
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