Where the infusion goes
Measure the plain and infused olive oils separately before blending the pesto. See the cannabis olive oil guide and the THC potency calculator for your own infusion.
Dose deliberately: potency depends on the strength and amount of your infusion. Calculate the complete batch, divide evenly, label infused food clearly and keep it away from children and pets.
GATHER & MEASURE
Ingredients
Pasta and pesto
Oils, seasoning and pasta water
Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining. Add just enough to loosen the pesto as you toss.
FROM PREP TO FINISH
Make it, step by step
Cook the pasta and reserve some water
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water before draining.
Pulse the basil and stream in the oils
Pulse basil, Parmesan, nuts, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a food processor until finely chopped.
With the machine running, stream in the plain olive oil and infused olive oil until the pesto is cohesive but still textured.
Toss with the pesto off the heat
Toss the hot drained pasta with the pesto off the heat. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until the sauce clings loosely to the noodles.
Season and divide evenly
Taste for salt and lemon. Divide immediately into 4 equal portions and finish with Parmesan.
Questions about Herby Cannabis Pesto Pasta
Can I make pesto without pine nuts?
Yes. Walnuts, almonds or sunflower seeds all work well.
Can I freeze cannabis pesto?
Yes. Freeze the pesto without the Parmesan for up to 2 months, then stir in cheese after thawing.
Why should I keep pesto off direct heat?
Direct cooking dulls the basil and can make Parmesan separate. Tossing with hot pasta is enough.
KEEP COOKING
More for a savory table
Make a barbecue jackfruit sandwich, roast rosemary nuts for a snack, or pour a berry-mint sparkler.