Best 4 Proper Pesto Recipes
Pesto is a flavorful sauce originating from the Liguria region of Italy, typically made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil. Its vibrant green hue and aromatic fragrance are a testament to its freshness and versatility. In this article, we present three unique and delicious pesto recipes that cater to various dietary preferences and culinary styles.
Our classic pesto recipe stays true to the traditional ingredients, ensuring an authentic taste experience. For those with nut allergies or seeking a lower-calorie option, we offer an almond pesto that substitutes pine nuts with almonds, resulting in a creamy and flavorful sauce. Finally, our vegan pesto recipe replaces traditional Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast, making it a delightful plant-based alternative. Each recipe includes step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure perfect results every time.
PESTO
Homemade pesto always makes a thoughtful hostess gift. Mix things up with this cilantro variation. It's delicious served with pasta or in one of these recipes using pesto. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Provided by Taste of Home
Time 10m
Yield 3/4 cup.
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In a food processor, puree all ingredients. Refrigerate for several weeks or freeze in a tightly covered container. Toss a few tablespoons pesto with hot cooked pasta.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 97 calories, Fat 10g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 3mg cholesterol, Sodium 114mg sodium, Carbohydrate 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein.
PESTO
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
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
PROPER PESTO
There are lots of recipes people claim taste better if made by hand, but there's no easier case to prove that than pesto. The intensity of the flavors is beyond compare, and as if by some kind of magic, this gorgeous spread develops an addictive spiciness. You can taste each ingredient, and yet when smashed together, new and wonderful flavors are released.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Pasta Sauce Recipes Vegetarian
Time 35m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Crush garlic and pinch of kosher salt in a mortar with the pestle until garlic is mashed and paste-like, 1 or 2 minutes. Add basil in 3 or 4 additions, crushing and pounding down the leaves until they form a fairly fine paste, about 8 minutes or more depending on size of leaves and thickness of stems. Add and pound in pine nuts.
- Transfer a handful of grated cheese to mortar and pound into the sauce. Add another handful of cheese and incorporate into the mixture. Continue adding cheese a handful at a time until completely incorporated, about 5 minutes.
- Drizzle in olive oil 1 tablespoon at a time, pounding it into the sauce. When all the olive oil has been added and emulsified into the mixture, transfer pesto to a bowl and drizzle surface with olive oil.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 180.7 calories, Carbohydrate 1.7 g, Cholesterol 6.2 mg, Fat 17.8 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 4.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 169.4 mg, Sugar 0.2 g
BASIC PESTO
Pesto is a mouthful of bright summer - basil made more so. You can buy it in a jar or in the refrigerator section of your grocery story, but there is nothing better than making it yourself. Fresh basil can be found in abundance at farmers' markets in the summer. Just clean, take the stems off and throw the leaves in a food processor with nuts and garlic. Dribble in the oil and you've got a versatile sauce for pasta, chicken or fish.
Provided by Florence Fabricant
Categories easy, quick, condiments, editors' pick
Time 15m
Yield 2 cups
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Combine basil leaves, pine nuts or walnuts and garlic in a food processor and process until very finely minced.
- With the machine running slowly dribble in the oil and process until the mixture is smooth.
- Add the cheese and process very briefly, just long enough to combine. Store in refrigerator or freezer.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 82, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 1 gram, Fat 8 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 2 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 49 milligrams, Sugar 0 grams
Tips:
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor. Basil that is past its prime will not have the same vibrant flavor and aroma.
- Use a food processor or blender to make the pesto. This will help to create a smooth and consistent sauce.
- Add the nuts and cheese to the food processor or blender last. This will help to prevent them from becoming too finely chopped.
- Taste the pesto and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or garlic to taste.
- Pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze pesto for up to 3 months.
Conclusion:
Pesto is a delicious and versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a great way to add flavor to pasta, pizza, sandwiches, and salads. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a delicious pesto that will impress your friends and family.
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