Chard Pecan Pesto Pasta

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Chard Pecan Pesto Pasta, a delightful dish that effortlessly merges freshness with a hint of nutty decadence. This pasta features a rich and earthy pesto made from fresh swiss chard, basil leaves and toasted pecans, offering a unique twist on a classic favorite. As you take your first bite, you'll experience the creaminess of the pesto beautifully coating each strand of pasta, creating a perfect harmony of taste and texture. Complementing this are the Lemony Garlic Air-Fried Chickpeas, bringing a burst of zesty and aromatic crunch to every mouthful. These golden, crispy delights add an element of surprise, enhancing the dish’s complexity while keeping it light. Whether you’re serving it as a nourishing weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this combination promises to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more.

For The Pesto:

Ingredients:

- ½ cup olive oil, divided

- 10 leaves Swiss chard, chopped

- 4 cloves garlic, chopped

- 1 cup basil leaves

- 1 cup pecans

- ½ teaspoon sea salt

- 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice

- 2-4 tablespoons nutritional yeast

- Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:

   - Wash and chop the Swiss chard leaves.

   - Peel and chop the garlic cloves.

   - Measure out all other ingredients for easy access while preparing the pesto.

2. Sauté Swiss Chard and Garlic:

   - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

   - Add the chopped Swiss chard and garlic to the skillet.

   - Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the chard is wilted and the garlic is fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.

3. Blend the Pesto:

   - In a food processor, combine the sautéed Swiss chard and garlic, basil leaves, pecans, and the remaining olive oil.

   - Pulse until the mixture starts to come together.

4. Season and Adjust:

   - Add the sea salt, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast to the food processor.

   - Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.

   - Taste, and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or lemon juice according to your preference.

5. Finalize and Store:

   - Once your pesto reaches the desired consistency and flavor, transfer it to a jar or airtight container.

   - Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

This delicious Chard Pecan Pesto is perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip. Enjoy!

For the Chickpeas:

Ingredients:

- 1 can (15 ounces) of chickpeas, drained and rinsed

- 1 tablespoon of olive oil

- 1 teaspoon of lemon pepper seasoning

- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder

- 1/4 teaspoon of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chickpeas:

- Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly. After rinsing, spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to dry. Pat them gently to remove excess moisture. Removing as much moisture as possible will help them get crispy in the air fryer.

2. Preheat the Air Fryer:

- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.

3. Season the Chickpeas:

- In a mixing bowl, combine the dried chickpeas with olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Toss until the chickpeas are well coated with the spices.

4. Air Fry the Chickpeas:

- Place the seasoned chickpeas in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd them for even cooking.

- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent burning; they should be golden brown and crispy.

5. Cool and Serve:

- Once done, remove the chickpeas from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.

- Serve as a snack or a topping for salads and enjoy!

Feel free to adjust the seasoning to taste, and enjoy your flavorful, healthy snack!

For the dish:

• Cook pasta of choice (reserve some pasta water)

• Add desired amount of pesto

• Add some pasta water (1 tbsp at a time) to get desired consistency

• Add chickpeas

• Stir and serve

• ENJOY!