Green Pasta with Asparagus

I had leftover cilantro, but didn't have all the ingredients for the green sauce I like, so I decided to make up a new one. I'm posting the recipe that makes a lot of green sauce--I froze a lot and just used the leftovers for the pasta. It's a bit like pesto, but with cilantro.


Green Pasta with Asparagus

Enough pasta for two people
1/2 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup Green Sauce
zest of 1/2 lemon
salt to taste

Cook pasta. A few minutes before it's done, about 3, add the asparagus to the pot. Drain, and return to pot. Add cheese, green sauce, lemon zest, and salt if necessary. Mix well.

Serves 2.

Sauce
1 bunch cilantro, leaves and stems
3-4 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/3 cup water
1 tbsp sugar
juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 tsp salt

Combine ingredients in blender and puree--start with just a little cilantro and add it little by little.
Makes about 2 cups or a little less.