Orzo with Mint Pesto and Peas

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and salt generously with sea salt. Drop pasta and cook according to the package directions. When pasta is almost done, add peas to the boiling water and blanch for the last couple of minutes with the pasta. Drain everything and set aside.

For the mint pesto:
Combine mint, pine nuts, garlic, and lemon zest in the bowl of a food processor and pulse to finely chop. Stream in the olive oil while the machine is running, just enough to form a thick paste. Taste and season with salt and pepper as you see fit.

Toss the mint pesto with the pasta and peas until everything is well coated. Taste and add additional seasoning if necessary.

You can either serve this warm or chilled and as a main dish or a side.

Notes:
1. The mint pesto is great on just about everything, so don’t limit it to this dish.
2. You could serve this as a main dish or a side alongside chicken, fish or a lamb chop.