Ziti with Pesto: Ziti al Pesto Pantesco

• Salt, for the pasta water
• 1/2 cup fresh picked mint leaves
• 1/2 cup fennel fronds
• 1/2 cup fresh picked basil leaves
• 1 cup fresh picked parsley
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons salt packed capers, soaked,rinsed and drained
• 4 medium plum tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes, plus extra for garnish
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Sea salt
• 1 pound ziti
• 1 cup freshly grated locatelli pecorino

1. Bring 6 quarts water to a rolling boil and add 2 tablespoons of salt.
2. In a blender, place the mint, fennel fronds, basil, parsley, garlic, capers, tomatoes, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and half of the olive oil.
3. Process in short bursts until roughly chopped.
4. Turn blender on full speed and drizzle in the remaining oil.
5. Process until almost smooth, about 1 minute.
6. Remove the resulting pesto from the blender and place in a large bowl.
7. Set aside for 1 hour.
8. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until just al dente.
9. Drain well and place the cooked pasta in the bowl with the pesto, and toss like a salad to coat.
10. Sprinkle the pasta with the grated locatelli pecorino and chili flakes.and serve.

salt, fresh picked mint leaves, fennel fronds, fresh picked basil leaves, fresh picked parsley, garlic, salt, tomatoes, freshly ground black pepper, red pepper, extravirgin olive oil, salt, freshly grated locatelli pecorino

Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/mario-batali/ziti-with-pesto-ziti-al-pesto-pantesco-recipe.html (may not work)