Homemade walnut paste and Walnut and bacon pasta

Both the paste and pasta recipes are wonderfully wholesome and packed with flavour. A very nourishing meal that is comforting and healthy.

First up you need to make a walnut paste. 

This is easy and leftovers are delicious on sandwiches.

You need to roast 2 cups of walnuts in the oven. Do this by putting them on a baking tray and putting them in a moderate oven (180C) for about 10mins. Keep a close eye on them, stirring them every few minutes and pulling them out once they are golden brown. There is a thin line between toasted and burnt! trust me i've done it a few times.

Once toasted throw 1 1/2 C of walnuts (save the other 1/2 C for the pasta) ino the food processor with ......

1/4C grated parmesan

1 t minced garlic

the rind and juice of half a lemon

1/2 t salt

1/4 t paprika

1/4 t white pepper

pinch of nutmeg

Pulse till finely chopped and then add in 1/4 - 1/2C olive oil - depending on how thick or thin you want it.

This alone is an amazing dish, perfect on sandwiches, meat, salads and in pasta....

Walnut and bacon pasta

1/2 C toasted walnuts

3/4 C walnut paste

150g sliced bacon

1 tin evaporated milk (or cream if you prefer)

1 C chicken stock

400g cooked pasta.

In a pan cook up the bacon and then mix in the walnut paste. Cook for a few minutes.

Then add in the milk and chicken stock mixing thoroughly. Heat until thickened. This should only take a few minutes.

Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta and mix well, add in the last 1/2C of toasted walnuts for a bit of crunch.

This recipe is easy but packed with flavour. Perfect with a crunchy green salad and sure to impress.

Enjoy.

xxx
Sharing again this week over at nourishing joy