Best 2 Pesto And Pistou Recipes

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**Pesto and Pistou: A Culinary Journey Through Two Vibrant Sauces**

In the realm of culinary artistry, few condiments can match the vibrant flavors and versatility of pesto and pistou. Hailing from the sun-drenched regions of Italy and France, respectively, these sauces have captivated taste buds for centuries with their aromatic herbs, nutty textures, and the ability to transform ordinary dishes into culinary masterpieces.

In this comprehensive guide, we embark on a culinary journey through the world of pesto and pistou, exploring their rich history, diverse regional variations, and the culinary techniques that elevate them from mere condiments to essential ingredients in a variety of dishes. We'll provide you with detailed recipes for classic pesto and pistou, along with creative variations that showcase the endless possibilities these sauces offer.

From the fragrant basil and pine nuts of traditional pesto to the earthy flavors of arugula and walnuts in pistou, each recipe is carefully crafted to highlight the unique characteristics of these beloved sauces. We'll guide you through the process of selecting the freshest ingredients, achieving the perfect texture, and incorporating pesto and pistou into a range of culinary creations.

Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook seeking new culinary adventures, this exploration of pesto and pistou will provide you with the knowledge and inspiration to unlock a world of flavor and creativity in your kitchen.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

PESTO



Pesto image

Basic pesto, made with basil, olive oil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. This recipe differs from the classic preparation by the addition of parsley. You can add a little extra Parmesan to the mixture if you like.

Provided by ANDERVAL

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes

Time 5m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 6

3 cups packed fresh basil leaves
4 cloves garlic
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup olive oil
¼ cup pine nuts
½ cup chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Combine basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and nuts in the bowl of a food processor or blender. Blend to a smooth paste. Add parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 91.5 calories, Carbohydrate 1 g, Cholesterol 3.3 mg, Fat 9 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 2.3 g, SaturatedFat 1.8 g, Sodium 59.1 mg, Sugar 0.1 g

SOUPE AU PISTOU (VEGETABLE SOUP WITH PESTO)



Soupe au Pistou (Vegetable Soup With Pesto) image

The cookbook author and culinary historian Jessica B. Harris adapted this recipe from a meal she once had in the South of France at the home of James Baldwin, and it appears in her 2017 memoir, "My Soul Looks Back." It's a simple Provençal soup - French country cooking at its best - made with whatever vegetables are in season and brightened with generous spoonfuls of green pesto. You could use a vegetable stock or a light chicken stock instead of water, if you happen to have one, but there's no need: A good dollop of pesto will deliver a bright, garlicky flavor that permeates every bite.

Provided by Tejal Rao

Categories     soups and stews, main course

Time 45m

Yield Serves 4-6

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 tomato, cored
1 cup basil leaves
1 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves
2 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 ounces Parmesan or Gruyère, grated
1 celery rib, diced
1 carrot, peeled and diced
1 leek, white and pale green parts only, thinly sliced
1 sprig thyme
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 pound potatoes, cut into bite-size pieces
1/2 pound zucchini or summer squash, cut into bite-size pieces
1/2 pound string beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
3/4 pound kale, roughly chopped
1/2 pound fresh fava beans, shelled
3/4 cup small pasta shells

Steps:

  • Make the pistou: Purée the tomato, basil, parsley and garlic in a food processor. While the machine is running, drizzle in the oil. Add the cheese, and mix well, then transfer to a small bowl.
  • Make the soup: In a large, heavy pot over medium heat, add celery, carrot, leek, thyme and olive oil. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the leek is starting to brown, about 10 minutes.
  • Add the potatoes and 8 cups water, and bring to a boil, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes, then stir in remaining vegetables and pasta. Cook uncovered until the pasta is al dente and the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
  • Remove the pot from the heat, and stir in about half the pistou. Taste, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve with the rest of the pistou on the side, spooning it directly into the soup as needed.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 306, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 36 grams, Fat 14 grams, Fiber 9 grams, Protein 15 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 720 milligrams, Sugar 9 grams

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the flavor of your pesto or pistou. Use fresh herbs, nuts, and cheese, and make sure your olive oil is of good quality.
  • Adjust the ingredients to your taste: Pesto and pistou are versatile sauces, so feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. If you like a more garlicky flavor, add more garlic. If you prefer a nuttier flavor, add more nuts. And if you want a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • Use a food processor or blender: A food processor or blender is the easiest way to make pesto or pistou. Simply add all of the ingredients to the food processor or blender and pulse until smooth.
  • Store pesto or pistou in an airtight container in the refrigerator: Pesto and pistou will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze pesto or pistou for up to 3 months.
  • Use pesto or pistou as a condiment or marinade: Pesto and pistou are delicious on pasta, grilled meats, and vegetables. You can also use them as a marinade for chicken, fish, or tofu.

Conclusion:

Pesto and pistou are two versatile sauces that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy way to add flavor to your food, try making a batch of pesto or pistou. You won't be disappointed!

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