DNMO shares its pesto genovese recipe along with a playlist for you to play along to while you make it
2023 is already off to a red-hot start for the up-and-coming British manufacturer that goes by the name DNMO. And to kick things off right, he’s kicking off the year by joining the Monstercat roster with a retro drum & bass belter called “Together.”
To celebrate the release, DNMO has volunteered to share its latest kitchen creation, a recipe for Pasta Alla Pesto Genovese, along with a playlist of five killer songs that, if you hit play just as you’re firing up the oven, will it will complete with the time you are ready to eat.
We don’t want this to be another long-winded recipe where you have to scroll through eight pages before you get to the goods… So let’s dive into READY!
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Ingredients For DNMO’s Genoese Pesto Pasta
- 5 cups of fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1 clove of garlic finely chopped
- 3/4 cup Parmesan (freshly grated)
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Pan-Seared Chicken Breast:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed
- 1 bunch each of rosemary and thyme
- ½ lb box of pasta (I prefer Trofie, Farfalle or Conchiglie)
Recipe For DNMO’s Genoese Pesto Pasta
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and prepare a large bowl filled with cold water + a few ice cubes.
- Blanch the basil in boiling water for 10-20 seconds and immediately transfer it to an ice bath to stop cooking. This kills the rotting enzymes, ensuring a very bright green pesto that won’t discolour.
- Remove the basil, wipe off excess water with a paper towel, and allow to dry for a moment.
- While the basil dries, heat the pine nuts in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Let the pine nuts cool, then puree in a blender with the garlic and Parmesan until nice and fine but don’t over-blend.
- Add the basil and blend again until incorporated, then pour in the olive oil as the blender works until smooth.
- At this point taste the pesto and check the seasoning. I like to hit it with a good pinch of salt, some freshly ground black pepper and a dash of lemon juice to bring it to life.
- Bring to room temperature and season well with salt and pepper if preparing chicken breasts. Sear over high heat with a few tablespoons of olive oil, about 4-5 minutes per side, turning once when a nice color is obtained. Add the butter, garlic and herbs to the pan and baste for another 3 minutes. Finish in a preheated 400°F/200°C oven for approximately 5-8 minutes until internal temperature is 165°F, then allow to rest for 5 minutes.
- Bring a pot of heavily salted water (you want it to taste like the ocean) to a boil, add the pasta, and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta when cooked but reserve about a cup of the pasta water, the starch in this water will help make a super creamy and emulsified sauce.
- Add the pesto, pour 1/4 of the pasta water into the blender container and pulse for a few seconds or shake with a lid, this will wash away any remaining bits of pesto there and pour it over the pasta.
- Mix or blend everything together, adding more pasta water for desired consistency, and check the seasoning.
- Serve in a hot bowl and garnish with more Parmesan.
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Recipe playlist
5 discs that go well with the dish and will play collectively for the duration of the recipe (20 minutes)
Recording 1: Jordan Stephens – Big Bad Mood (feat. Miraa May)
Kicking things off is a stunning track from Jordan Stephens and Miraa May, one of my favorite discoveries from last year. The synthesizers and drum swing are deadly and Miraa’s angelic voice captures me every time.
Record 2: Revelation – In my arms
I mean seriously, have you ever heard a bad Disclosure song? The vibes on this one are outstanding. Perfect for preparing a nice fresh pesto.
Record 3: Koven & ShockOne – Collecting thoughts
This banger from Koven & ShockOne is the tune to turn on the gas and start cooking! Big synths, choking basslines, what’s more to love?!
Record 4: Delta Heavy & Jem Cooke – Heaven
Coming in hot (pun intended), a real tongue twister from Delta Heavy with jaw-dropping vocals from Jem Cooke. Fun fact I actually did a remix for both of these artists called “Take Me Home”.
Record 5: Fred Again.. – Danielle (smile on my face)
Okay, that’s it. The pasta should be ready any minute and it’s time to start plating up this warming bowl of goodness. What better soundtrack to enjoy it than the relaxing sounds of Fred Again..? We are slowing down to finish this meal and enjoy our hard work! If that doesn’t make you smile, I don’t know what will. (ok I’m done with the puns)
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