PARSLEY AND WALNUT PESTO ROASTED RED POTATOES

Parsley and Walnut Pesto Roasted Red Potatoes image

Provided by Mikekey *

Time 1h20m

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/2 c olive oil, extra virgin (divided)
1 medium red onion, peeled and cut into thin wedges (divided)
6 Tbsp flat leaf parsley, finely chopped (leave stems on)
1/4 c walnuts, chopped
1 clove garlic, peeled and chopped
1 lemon, zested and juiced
2 tsp coarse sea salt (divided)
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
2 Tbsp ricotta cheese
1 tsp salt
5 lb small red-skinned potatoes (do not peel)
6 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened

Steps:

1. To make pesto: In a large nonstick pan, heat 2 tablespoons oil over high heat. Add half the red onions and reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes. Do not let them burn. Transfer onions to a blender container; leave as much oil in pan as possible.
2. Add the parsley, walnuts, garlic, 1/4 cup oil, lemon zest and lemon juice to cooked onions. Season with 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and black pepper. Pulse blender until desired consistency is reached. This with a bit of water, if needed.
3. Transfer to a mixing bowl and add ricotta; stir until mixed in.
4. For potatoes: Cut potatoes into 3-inch pieces. Place them in a large pot. Fill the pot with cold water until the potatoes are barely covered. Bring to a boil over high heat, add 1 teaspoon salt, reduce heat to medium-high, and cook 20 minutes. The potatoes should be fork tender, but firm.
5. Drain potatoes thoroughly and let them cool a bit. Once they are cool enough to handle and dried, toss them in the pesto to coat.
6. Preheat oven to 425F. Place potatoes and remaining red onion wedges into a greased baking dish. Drizzle with remains olive oil and season with remaining salt. Roaster 30-35 minutes.
7. Serve warm.