Green Chile Pepper Pesto 🌶️
Introduction:
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Southwest with this zesty Green Chile Pepper Pesto recipe. Bursting with the heat of Anaheim and jalapeno chilies, balanced by the freshness of garlic, parsley, and cilantro, this pesto is a delightful twist on the traditional Italian favorite. Perfect for dipping with tortilla chips or crisp raw veggies, it’s an easy and flavorful appetizer that will spice up any gathering in just minutes!
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 1
- Calories: 1251.7
- Fat Content: 102.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 24.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 88mg
- Sodium Content: 1558.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 42.7g
- Fiber Content: 7.6g
- Sugar Content: 17.9g
- Protein Content: 54.1g
Ingredients:
- 6 Anaheim chilies
- 1 jalapeno chile
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 3 tablespoons parsley
- 3 tablespoons cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups grated Asiago cheese
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Olive oil (enough to achieve desired consistency)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Ingredients:
- Gather all the ingredients listed above. Ensure the chilies are washed and pat dry. Remove stems and seeds from the chilies if desired, depending on your heat preference.
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Blend to Perfection:
- In a food processor or blender, combine the Anaheim chilies, jalapeno chile, garlic cloves, parsley, cilantro leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, Asiago cheese, and fresh lemon juice.
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Blend Until Smooth:
- Pulse the ingredients until they start to come together, then gradually drizzle in olive oil while continuing to blend. Keep adding olive oil until the mixture forms a thick, smooth paste. The amount of olive oil may vary depending on your desired consistency.
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Season to Taste:
- Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference. Remember that the cheese already adds some saltiness, so be cautious not to oversalt.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Transfer the green chile pepper pesto to a serving bowl. You can garnish it with a drizzle of olive oil and some additional grated cheese if desired. Serve with tortilla chips, sliced raw vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for dipping.
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Store Any Leftovers:
- If you have any leftover pesto, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for several days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Tips:
- For an extra kick of heat, leave some of the seeds in the chilies or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto.
- Toasting the pine nuts lightly in a dry skillet before adding them to the pesto can enhance their flavor.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blanch the parsley and cilantro leaves in boiling water for a few seconds, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath before adding them to the pesto mixture.
Conclusion:
This Green Chile Pepper Pesto is a celebration of bold flavors and effortless preparation. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a cozy night in, or simply looking to add a bit of spice to your meals, this recipe is sure to please. So gather your ingredients, fire up the blender, and get ready to savor every flavorful bite of this Southwestern-inspired delight!