Basil Bliss: Homemade Pesto Sauce Recipe

Homemade Pesto Sauce Recipe

🕒 Times

Description

There’s something truly special about creating your own Pesto sauce from scratch. The cooking time mentioned is for the traditional hand-prepared method; if you opt for the convenience of a food processor, you can whip this up in a mere 10 to 15 minutes!

🥫 Recipe Category

Sauces

🏷️ Keywords

• Free Of…
• < 60 Mins
• Easy

📝 Ingredients

• 180g fresh basil leaves
• 1 tsp rock salt
• 2/3 cup olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2-3 tbsp pine nuts
• 2/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

📊 Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 200.5
• Fat: 19.9g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.8g
  • Cholesterol: 3.5mg
  • Sodium: 63.2mg
  • Carbohydrates: 3.6g
  • Fiber: 1.9g
  • Sugars: 0.6g
  • Protein: 4.1g

🥣 Yield

About 5 oz of Pesto sauce

📖 Instructions

1. Prepare the Basil

   • Hold the basil by its stalks and gently swish the leaves in a bowl of cold water.
   • Pick off the leaves from the stalks and pat them dry with kitchen paper, being careful not to bruise them.

2. Create the Pesto Base

   • In a pestle and mortar or a food processor, combine the basil leaves and rock salt.
   • If using a pestle and mortar (wood is best), press and grind the basil against the sides. Work from the edges inward, using the salt’s grittiness to aid in pounding.

3. Add the Oil

   • Once the basil is reasonably mushed, start adding the olive oil slowly while stirring. Continue until you achieve a smooth, creamy texture.

4. Incorporate the Garlic

   • Gradually work in the garlic, adding just enough to provide flavor without overpowering the sauce.

5. Blend in the Pine Nuts and Cheese

   • Tip in the pine nuts and grated parmesan cheese. Blend these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and no longer stringy.

6. Season to Taste

   • Finally, season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste. Keep in mind that parmesan cheese is already quite salty, and the raw garlic provides a bold flavor.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

   • Your homemade Pesto sauce is now ready to grace your favorite pasta, pizza, sandwiches, or any dish your heart desires!

🌿 Tips for Success

• 🌿 When selecting basil leaves, choose fresh, vibrant green ones for the best flavor.
• 🧂 Taste your Pesto before adding more salt, as the parmesan cheese already contributes saltiness.
• 🍝 This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top to prevent discoloration.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Toss with freshly cooked pasta for a simple and delicious meal.
• Spread on sandwiches or wraps for a burst of flavor.
• Use as a pizza sauce or as a topping for bruschetta.
• Mix into soups or stews for added depth of flavor.

Creating your own Pesto sauce is not only rewarding but also allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. 🌿💚 Dive into the world of homemade sauces with this simple yet flavorful recipe! 🍝👩‍🍳