Bacon with spinach pesto pasta

Also known as pancetta con pasta al pesto di spinaci according to Google. Tired of red (tomato) and white (dairy) sauces, I decided to try green. Pesto is made of something green, a nut, olive oil, cheese and garlic. Traditionally made with basil, Parmesan, and pine nuts, I used a cheddar, pine nuts and spinach. Made a big batch which can be saved in a jar topped off with olive oil to preserve for up to a week in the fridge.

Ingredients (serves 4)

4 tbsp pine nuts

1 cup olive oil

2 cups blanched spinach, drained (i used frozen)

½ cup shredded cheddar or another hard cheese

250g pasta

1 tbsp minced garlic

6 slices bacon

Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1) Starting in a cold oven, on a lined sheet, bake the bacon for 17 to 25 minutes at 200 deg C. Check after 15 minutes because it can burn pretty quickly.

http://www.centercutcook.com/how-to-bake-bacon/

2) Meanwhile, cook the pasta as per packet instructions and drain but save a cup of pasta cooking water.

3) Squeeze out as much water from the thawed spinach as possible. Drizzle in the olive oil till it because a gluggy consistency. 

4) In a food processor, process the nuts, cheese, spinach, and garlic. Use more or less oil depending. (If u desire, add the drained bacon oil) Season according to taste.

5) Assemble. In the pasta pan, add the sauce and add the pasta water till it all comes together and coats the pasta. Top with bacon.