Creating a creamy pesto sauce, especially one suitable for lamb, involves blending fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream to achieve a rich and flavorful consistency. Here’s a detailed exploration of the recipe:
Creamy Pesto Sauce for Lamb
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 2 cups
Ingredients:
- 1 cup basil leaves
- 2 garlic cloves
- 50g pine nuts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 250ml heavy cream
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 725.6
- Total Fat: 73.6g
- Saturated Fat: 32.9g
- Cholesterol: 180.8mg
- Sodium: 241.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 10.1g
- Fiber: 2.7g
- Sugar: 1.3g
- Protein: 12.1g
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Pesto Base:
- In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, garlic cloves, pine nuts, olive oil, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Process until the mixture forms a smooth paste. This step typically takes a few minutes to ensure everything is well blended.
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Create the Creamy Sauce:
- Transfer the basil mixture into a saucepan.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, allowing it to simmer uncovered for about 3 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
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Serve or Store:
- Once the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together, it’s ready to serve.
- This creamy pesto sauce pairs wonderfully with lamb dishes, enhancing their flavor with its rich, herbaceous profile.
Tips for Serving:
- Use this sauce immediately for the best flavor and texture.
- Spoon generously over grilled or roasted lamb chops or lamb steaks.
- Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves for a vibrant presentation.
Recipe Notes:
- Adjust the consistency by adding more cream if you prefer a thinner sauce or simmering longer for a thicker texture.
- This sauce can also be used as a dip for bread or a dressing for pasta dishes.
Enjoy creating this creamy pesto sauce to elevate your lamb dishes with a burst of fresh basil, nutty pine nuts, and creamy richness!
