Cilantro instead of basil, and pepitas instead of pine nuts makes for an interesting twist on your more traditional pesto. Here we pair it with salmon, but it’s also good with other seafood (think grilled shrimp), or tossed on pasta or salads.
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 teaspoons plus 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1/2 cup shelled pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 1/2 cup (firmly packed) cilantro leaves and stems
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked coriander seeds
- 1/2 garlic clove, coarsely chopped
- 1 tablespoon (or more) fresh lime juice
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 6-ounce salmon fillets (preferably wild)
- 1 lime, cut into 4 wedges
Directions:
- Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add pumpkin seeds; sauté until beginning to brown and pop, about 2 minutes. Transfer seeds to paper towels to drain; let cool. Reserve skillet.
- Pulse 6 tablespoons pumpkin seeds, cilantro, coriander seeds, and garlic in a food processor until coarsely chopped. With machine running, gradually add 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1/4 cup oil, then 1/4 cup water, blending until coarse purée forms. Season pesto to taste with salt, pepper, and more lime juice, if desired.
- Heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil in reserved skillet over medium heat. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Add to skillet and cook until just opaque in center, 3-4 minutes per side. Place fillets on plates. Spoon pesto over. Garnish with remaining pumpkin seeds. Serve with lime wedges.
Recipe & photo from Epicurious.com.
