Sage Pesto ๐ฟ
Overview:
Sage Pesto, a delightful twist on traditional pesto, offers a robust flavor profile perfect for complementing pork dishes or enhancing pasta with portabello mushrooms. This recipe, crafted by a resourceful mother-in-law, promises a culinary adventure in every bite. With its earthy sage, nutty walnuts, and sharp Parmesan cheese, this pesto is a celebration of bold flavors.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 160.2 per serving
- Fat Content: 15.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 3.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 7.3mg
- Sodium Content: 129.2mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 1.6g
- Fiber Content: 0.5g
- Sugar Content: 0.3g
- Protein Content: 4.3g
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sage leaves
- 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2/3 cup walnut pieces
- 3 cloves garlic
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup olive oil
Instructions:
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Prepare Ingredients: Begin by washing and thoroughly drying sage leaves and parsley using a salad spinner. This ensures that no excess moisture dilutes the flavor of your pesto.
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Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the washed sage leaves and parsley with the Parmesan cheese, walnut pieces, cloves of garlic, and a pinch of salt.
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Process: Pulse the ingredients until they form a gritty yet uniform consistency. This step is crucial for achieving the desired texture of your pesto.
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Add Olive Oil: Gradually pour in the olive oil while continuing to process the mixture. The olive oil serves as the binding agent, creating a smooth and creamy pesto.
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Adjust Consistency: Monitor the texture of the pesto as you add the olive oil. Stop adding oil when the pesto reaches your preferred consistency. Some prefer it thicker, while others enjoy a more fluid texture.
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Divide and Store: Once the pesto has reached the desired consistency, divide it into three equal portions. Each portion is adequate to coat enough pasta for four servings.
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Serve or Store: You can serve the pesto immediately, tossed with your favorite pasta and grilled pork, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for future use. Properly stored, it can last for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy its vibrant flavors whenever the craving strikes.
Tips:
- Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh sage leaves, parsley, and garlic.
- Toast the Walnuts: Enhance the nuttiness of the pesto by toasting the walnut pieces lightly before adding them to the food processor.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to adjust the quantities of ingredients according to your personal preferences. If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, add an extra clove. Likewise, if you enjoy a sharper cheese flavor, increase the amount of Parmesan.
Serving Suggestions:
- Toss with your favorite pasta, such as linguine or penne, for a quick and flavorful meal.
- Use as a marinade or sauce for grilled pork chops or chicken breasts.
- Spread on toasted baguette slices for a delicious appetizer or snack.
- Mix into roasted vegetables for an added burst of flavor.
Conclusion:
Sage Pesto is a versatile and flavorful condiment that adds a touch of elegance to any dish. With its rich combination of sage, Parmesan, and walnuts, it elevates simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces. Whether enjoyed tossed with pasta or drizzled over grilled meats, this pesto is sure to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire. Enjoy the bold flavors and creative possibilities that Sage Pesto brings to your table!