Spaghetti with Pesto and Fennel

Serves 4

Ingredients

A large bunch of basil

50g Parmesan, grated

50g pine nuts, toasted

2 garlic cloves, crushed

150-175 ml extra virgin olive oil

400g spaghetti

1 fennel bulb, halved and sliced

Grated zest of ½ lemon

Parmesan shavings to serve

Method

To make the pesto, place the basil, grated Parmesan, pine nuts and garlic in a small blender or food processor and blend until broken down. Slowly pour in the olive oil until you have the consistency you require.

Cook the spaghetti in boiling water for 8-10 minutes, according to the pack instructions, until al dente.

Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan and cook the fennel for 5-6 minutes, until the edges start to brown.

Stir the pesto into the fennel and mix well.

Drain the pasta and stir into the pesto and fennel and toss well to coat.

Serve sprinkled with Parmesan shavings.