If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and nutritious complement to your next meal, look no further than pesto. Pesto is a traditional Italian sauce made from ground herbs, garlic, nuts, and olive oil. It’s a great way to add tons of flavor to any dish, and it’s simple to make. In this article, we’ll go over the classic basil recipe as well as five different pesto recipes in minutes, as well as share some tips for making the perfect pesto.
What is pesto?
Pesto is a traditional Italian sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. It can be used as a condiment for pasta, pizza, or other dishes. Traditionally, it is made with mortar and pestle, but modern techniques usually involve a food processor or blender.
There are dozens, if not hundreds of pesto recipes, and it can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be used as a dip, a spread, or a sauce. It can also be added to eggs, toast, soups, and salads to give them an extra kick of flavor.
Benefits of making pesto
Making your own pesto is a great way to enjoy the flavors of Italian cuisine without having to buy expensive store-bought varieties. It’s also a great way to use up fresh herbs and vegetables that you may have in your fridge.
Making pesto is also incredibly easy. All you need to do is combine all the ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until you have a smooth paste. This makes it a great option for busy cooks who are short on time.
Finally, pesto is a great way to get your daily intake of healthy fats. Olive oil and nuts provide a good source of monounsaturated fats which can help reduce cholesterol and keep your heart healthy.
Classic basil pesto
This classic basil pesto is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of Italy. The combination of fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts is a classic combination that never fails to please.
To make this classic basil pesto, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of fresh basil leaves
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of pine nuts
Combine all the ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until you have a smooth paste. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little more olive oil until it reaches your desired consistency.
Once you have your pesto paste, you can use it as a sauce for pasta or pizza, as a dip for veggies or chips, or as a spread for sandwiches and wraps.
Switch it up
Want a variation of the traditional basil pesto? Try one of these pesto recipes.
Sun-dried tomato and walnut pesto
This sun-dried tomato and walnut pesto is a delicious twist on the classic version. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes gives the pesto a sweet and tangy flavor, while the walnuts add a nice crunch.
To make this pesto, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of fresh basil leaves
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/4 cup of walnuts
- 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Spinach and pine nut pesto
- 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of pine nuts
- 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Avocado and almond pesto
- 2 cups of fresh basil leaves
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of almonds
- 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 avocado
Kale and cashew pesto
- 2 cups of fresh kale leaves
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of cashews
- 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Vegan pesto
This vegan pesto is a great way to enjoy the flavors of pesto without the use of dairy products. The combination of walnuts, olive oil, and nutritional yeast gives the pesto a delicious cheesy flavor.
To make this vegan pesto, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of fresh basil leaves
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of walnuts
- 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
Tips for Making the Perfect Pesto
Making the perfect pesto takes a bit of practice, but here are some tips to help:
- Use fresh ingredients. This will ensure that your pesto has the best flavor.
- Don’t over-blend. Pesto should have a slightly chunky texture.
- Taste as you go. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.
- Use extra-virgin olive oil. This will give your pesto a richer flavor.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice. This will give the pesto an extra kick of acidity.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes. This will give the pesto a nice spicy kick.
How to Store Pesto
Once you’ve made your pesto, it’s important to store it properly so that it doesn’t spoil. The best way to store pesto is to pour it into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to three months.
If you’re planning to try one of these pesto recipes and freeze it, it’s best to transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. You can also divide your pesto into smaller portions (using an ice tray for example) to make it easier to thaw and use.
