Best 6 Quick Basil Pesto Recipes
Craving a vibrant and aromatic condiment to elevate your meals? Look no further than basil pesto, a culinary masterpiece originating from the Liguria region of Italy. This versatile sauce boasts a symphony of fresh basil, nutty pine nuts, tangy Parmesan cheese, and a hint of garlicky goodness. Its vibrant green hue and herbaceous flavor profile make it an instant favorite among food enthusiasts. In this comprehensive guide, we'll introduce you to three distinct basil pesto recipes, each offering unique variations to suit your taste preferences. From the classic Genovese pesto, known for its simplicity and purity of flavors, to the sun-dried tomato pesto, bursting with Mediterranean vibes, and the roasted red pepper pesto, adding a smoky and vibrant twist, these recipes promise to transform your culinary creations.
1. **Classic Genovese Pesto**: Experience the authentic flavors of Liguria with this traditional basil pesto recipe. Fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil come together in perfect harmony, creating a versatile condiment that complements pasta, vegetables, and grilled meats.
2. **Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto**: Embark on a culinary journey to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean with this vibrant sun-dried tomato pesto. Sun-dried tomatoes infuse a sweet and tangy flavor into the classic pesto, while a hint of oregano adds an aromatic touch. Spread it on bruschetta, toss it with pasta, or use it as a marinade for chicken or fish.
3. **Roasted Red Pepper Pesto**: Get ready to spice things up with this smoky and flavorful roasted red pepper pesto. Roasted red peppers add a vibrant hue and a touch of heat, while a blend of herbs and spices creates a complex flavor profile. Drizzle it over grilled vegetables, mix it into hummus, or use it as a dip for crackers and pita bread.
HOMEMADE BASIL PESTO RECIPE
This fresh basil pesto recipe is easy to make with pine nuts (or walntus), garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a generous drizzle of quality extra virgin olive oil. Make ahead and store in the fridge or freezer for later use. Be sure to read through my post and watch the video for important tips!
Provided by Suzy Karadsheh
Categories Condiment
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Quickly blanch the basil. Prepare a bowl of ice water and set aside near your stove. Fill a small saucepan halfway with water and bring to a boil. Drop the basil leaves in the boiling water and blanch for 5 to 10 seconds or until wilted. Using tongs, transfer the basil leaves to prepared ice water to stop cooking.
- Dry the basil very well. Pick up the basil leaves and wrap them in paper towel and squeeze to wring out all the water.
- Make the pesto. Place the basil, garlic, pine nuts, and lemon juice in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a blade. With the processor running, slowly pour the extra virgin olive oil. Do not run the processor too long, you want to have a little bit of texture to your basil pesto.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Transfer the basil mixture to a small bowl. Add the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix to combine. If needed add a little bit more extra virgin olive oil to mix.
- Use immediately or store for later (see notes for storage).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 93 kcal, Carbohydrate 0.6 g, Protein 1.7 g, Fat 9.6 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, Cholesterol 2.8 mg, Sodium 120.8 mg, Fiber 0.2 g, Sugar 0.1 g, ServingSize 1 serving
BASIL PESTO
Basil pesto is extremely versatile! It enhances the flavor for all dishes like steak, chicken, fish, vegetables, and pasta! After the ingredients are combined and formed into a tube shape, simply slice whatever size portion you need and freeze the rest! Easy-breezy to prepare and bursting with flavor!
Provided by Bwoogie1
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Pasta Sauce Recipes
Time 15m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Combine basil, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and olive oil in a food processor. Pulse to combine. Add garlic, pine nuts, salt, and pepper. Pulse until mixture becomes smooth and blended.
- Pour mixture onto a large sheet of plastic wrap; roll into a tube shape and seal. Store in the refrigerator until needed.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 177.1 calories, Carbohydrate 1.7 g, Cholesterol 4.4 mg, Fat 17.9 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 3.7 g, SaturatedFat 3.2 g, Sodium 87.2 mg, Sugar 0.3 g
FRESH BASIL PESTO
A great recipe for fresh basil pesto with just the right amounts of everything. Even my DH loves it!
Provided by Klantz
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Pasta Sauce Recipes
Time 10m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Combine basil, oil, pine nuts, garlic, and lemon juice in a food processor or blender; puree until smooth. Stir in Pecorino Romano cheese, salt, and pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 244.1 calories, Carbohydrate 2.1 g, Cholesterol 10.3 mg, Fat 24.3 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 5.1 g, SaturatedFat 4.8 g, Sodium 186.7 mg, Sugar 0.3 g
QUICK BASIL PESTO
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Nuts & Seeds
Time 5m
Yield Makes 3/4 cup
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Pulse garlic, nuts, basil, oil, and cheese in a food processor until finely chopped. Season with salt and pepper.
- Freeze in ice-cube trays, or store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
QUICK & SIMPLE PESTO (CLASSIC PESTO RECIPE) SAUCE
This is a pretty easy recipe for a classic pesto sauce. It can be served with pasta for "Pasta & Pesto" or spread on toasted Italian bread or on sandwiches and salads... You can blend it into bread or muffin mix. You can make Pesto Pizza. You can even add heavy cream if you desire a "creamy pesto sauce". The key is to use only FRESH BASIL. Note: Pine nuts are AKA Pignoli Nuts
Provided by BlondieItaliana
Categories Spreads
Time 10m
Yield 1 1/4 cups
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Combine all ingredients in blender or food processor & cover.
- Blend on medium speed about 3 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape sides, until smooth.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1628.5, Fat 166.2, SaturatedFat 29.7, Cholesterol 52.8, Sodium 927.3, Carbohydrate 12, Fiber 3.4, Sugar 2, Protein 31.6
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: Fresh basil is essential for a flavorful pesto. Make sure to use leaves that are brightly colored and free of blemishes.
- Don't overprocess the pesto: Overprocessed pesto can become bitter. Pulse the ingredients in a food processor or blender until they are well combined, but still have some texture.
- Adjust the consistency of the pesto with olive oil: If the pesto is too thick, add a little more olive oil. If it is too thin, add more Parmesan cheese or nuts.
- Use pesto immediately or store it for later: Pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Conclusion:
Basil pesto is a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a great way to add flavor to pasta, pizza, sandwiches, and salads. It can also be used as a marinade or dipping sauce. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, basil pesto is a must-try for any home cook.
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