Pasta with Jalapeno Pesto

Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons shelled pumpkin seeds
• 2 green bell peppers
• 3 jalapeno peppers
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound linguini pasta
• 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 lime, cut into wedges

Directions

Toast the pumpkin seeds in a preheated 350 degree F (175 degree C) oven for 6 to 8 minutes.

Raise the oven's temperature to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).

Place the bell and jalapeno peppers on a baking sheet. Roast the peppers for 15 to 20 minutes; until the skin blisters. Let the peppers cool a bit then pull the skin away from the flesh; discard the skin.

In a food processor or blender combine 4 tablespoons of the pumpkin seeds, cilantro, garlic and the peppers. Blend until the contents are coarsely chopped. With the machine running, slowly add the oil and the lime juice. Blend in the salt and pepper

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta, stirring occasionally until it is just tender. Drain and return the pasta to the pot.

Set the pot over medium heat, add the tomatoes and the pesto. Stir well. Add more salt and pepper, if you'd like. Spoon the pasta onto plates. Serve the pasta garnished with the remaining pumpkin seeds and lime wedges.