Pasta with Cilantro Pesto and Barley

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 pound dried pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
• 1 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped toasted almonds
• 1/2 cup cooked barley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

30 minutes (including pasta cooking time)

Difficulty Level:

2 (easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, make the pesto by combining the cilantro, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, and almonds in a food processor or blender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Drain the pasta and add it to a large serving bowl.
4. Pour the pesto sauce over the pasta and toss to coat.
5. Add the cooked barley and stir to combine.
6. Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and cilantro leaves, if desired.

Nutritional Information:

Per serving (about 1 cup):

• Calories: 480
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Protein: 15g

Dish Characteristics:

• Fresh and flavorful, with a bright green color from the cilantro
• Creamy and savory, with a nutty flavor from the almonds
• Hearty and satisfying, thanks to the addition of barley
• Suitable for vegetarians and vegans if the Parmesan cheese is omitted

User Comments:

• "This pasta is so delicious! The cilantro pesto is amazing."
• "I love the combination of the cilantro and barley. It's so unique and flavorful."
• "This dish was easy to make and turned out perfectly. I'm definitely going to make it again."
• "I added some grilled chicken to the pasta, and it was a great addition."
• "This pasta is perfect for a light and refreshing meal on a hot summer day."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Taste the pesto as you make it and adjust the seasonings to your preference.
• If you don't have toasted almonds, you can use chopped walnuts or pecans instead.
• The pasta can be served immediately or refrigerated for later. Reheat gently before serving.