Graan SA/John Deere Grain-Lekker-competition: September winner

The Grain SA/John Deere recipe competition gives you the opportunity to put your creativity in the kitchen to the test, while also standing a chance to be rewarded for it.

Our September winner* is: Linsay Singh from Johannesburg

SUNFLOWER SEED PESTO SALAD

Enough for five servings as a side dish

Ingredients

Sunflower pesto
0,5 cup shelled sunflower seeds
2 fresh garlic cloves
0,25 cup grated or diced parmesan cheese (can use other hard cheese like pecorino, Asiago or Grana Padano)
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 cups fresh basil (leaves and soft stems)
0,25 cup olive oil (can use other neutral-tasting oils)
water (for thinning)salt to taste

Pasta salad
2 cups dry pasta (macaroni, penne, shells, or fusilli)
1 cup sunflower pesto
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 cup mozzarella cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Method

Sunflower pesto

1. In a dry frying pan, toast the sunflower seeds with no oil. Once the seeds start to brown or the aroma is being released, take the seeds off the stove and set aside on a plate for five minutes to cool.
2. In a food processor/blender, combine the toasted sunflower seeds, parmesan cheese, garlic, basil, olive oil, and lemon juice. Blend until all ingredients are incorporated.
3. Add water if you desire a thin pesto
   – add in small increments.
4. Taste and adjust with salt or lemon juice if necessary.

Note: Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no longer than one week.

Pasta salad

1. Boil the pasta until al dente as per the package instructions (eight to ten minutes).
2. Cut the cherry tomatoes into halves and the mozzarella into small cubes.
3. Take one cup of water from the pot, set aside and drain the pasta. Rinse under cold water and let it cool for five minutes.
4. In a large mixing bowl, add the pasta, pesto, tomatoes, and mozzarella.
   Mix well.
5. Add some pasta water if the mixture is too thick. Add in small increments.
6. Add salt and pepper to taste.
7. Chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes before serving.

* The monthly winner will receive a gift voucher from John Deere and will automatically qualify for the R5 000 cash prize, which will be awarded to the overall winner at the end of the year. Competition rules are available on the website (sagrainmag.co.za).