Pesto Recipe Details and Insights
Recipe Overview:
Pesto is a versatile and flavorful sauce originating from Italy, traditionally made with fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, garlic, and olive oil. It’s known for its vibrant green color and aromatic profile, perfect for enhancing dishes like pasta, salads, sandwiches, and more.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 ounces Romano cheese, grated
- 1-2 cloves garlic
- Olive oil (amount varies based on desired consistency)
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 137.6 per serving
- Fat: 10.8g
- Saturated Fat: 2.4g
- Cholesterol: 7.3mg
- Sodium: 130.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 6.2g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Protein: 5.2g
Servings and Yield:
- Servings: 12
- Yield: 1 jar full
Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Description and Usage:
Pesto is described as a “yummy addition” to various dishes such as pasta, cheese spreads, salads on toasted bread, grilled fish or chicken, and as pizza toppings. Its preparation involves blending basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, and garlic in a food processor. Gradually add olive oil through the feed tube until achieving the desired consistencyโwhether thick and chunky or creamy.
Recipe Instructions:
- Place basil, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and grated Romano cheese into a food processor.
- Pulse the ingredients to blend them together.
- Slowly pour olive oil through the feed tube while pulsing, until the mixture forms a smooth paste-like consistency.
Cook’s Tips:
- Adjust the amount of olive oil based on personal preference for textureโthicker for spreading or thinner for drizzling.
- Store pesto in a jar, ensuring the surface is covered with a thin layer of olive oil to maintain freshness.
- Use within a week or freeze for longer storage.
Recipe Category and Keywords:
- Category: Sauces
- Keywords: Lunch/Snacks, Cheese, Fruit, Nuts, High In…, < 15 Mins, No Cook, Small Appliance, Easy
User Rating and Reviews:
- Aggregated Rating: 5 stars (based on 95 reviews)
- Review Count: 95
Video Resource:
For a visual guide on preparing this pesto recipe, you can check out the video tutorial at Recipezaar.
Pesto’s appeal lies in its simplicity and ability to elevate a wide range of dishes with its fresh, herbaceous flavor. Whether stirred into pasta, spread on sandwiches, or used as a dip, this homemade pesto adds a burst of Mediterranean flair to your culinary creations.
