Pesto

This homemade pesto recipe offers a flavorful and vibrant sauce without the addition of salt. It can be used in various recipes or simply drizzled over warm pasta for a delicious meal. The ingredients come together to create a thick, smooth paste that can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for longer storage.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups (80 g) fresh basil, packed
• 3 tablespoons (27 g) pine nuts
• 1 teaspoon garlic, finely minced
• ¼ cup (20 g) Parmesan cheese, screened
• ½ cup (120 ml) olive oil

PREPARATIONS:

1. Place one-third of the basil leaves in a food processor and pulse until well chopped.
2. Add about one-third of the pine nuts and garlic to the processor; blend again.
3. Add about one-third of the Parmesan cheese while slowly adding about one-third of the olive oil, stopping to scrape down the sides of the container.
4. Process the pesto until it forms a thick, smooth paste.
5. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients in two more batches.
6. Mix all the batches together well.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Serve the pesto over pasta or use it in various recipes to add a burst of flavor. Store any leftover pesto in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze it for longer storage.

Yield: 12 servings

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• 1 g water
• 115 calories
• 82% from fat
• 6% from protein
• 13% from carbs
• 2 g protein
• 11 g total fat
• 2 g saturated fat
• 7 g monounsaturated fat
• 2 g polyunsaturated fat
• 4 g carbs
• 2 g fiber
• 0 g sugar
• 52 mg phosphorus
• 140 mg calcium
• 3 mg iron
• 30 mg sodium
• 208 mg potassium
• 536 IU vitamin A
• 2 mg ATE vitamin E
• 4 mg vitamin C
• 1 mg cholesterol

Pesto is incredibly versatile and can be used in various ways. It is most commonly used as a pasta sauce, where it can be tossed with cooked pasta to create a vibrant and flavorful dish. Pesto also works well as a spread on bread or as a topping for bruschetta, adding a burst of flavor to appetizers. It can be used as a sauce for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a condiment for sandwiches and wraps. Pesto even makes a great addition to salads or as a dip for fresh vegetables.

The beauty of pesto lies in its adaptability. While traditional pesto consists of basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, variations can be made by substituting or adding other ingredients. For example, spinach or arugula can be used in place of or in combination with basil to create a different flavor profile. Walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds can be used instead of pine nuts, and different cheeses like pecorino or Romano can be used in addition to or instead of Parmesan.

Pesto is best enjoyed fresh, but it can also be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for longer-term storage. If refrigerated or frozen, it is important to place a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent oxidation and maintain the bright green color.

In summary, pesto is a classic Italian sauce made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It is a versatile condiment that can be used in various dishes, including pasta, sandwiches, salads, and as a topping for appetizers. Pesto offers a burst of fresh and vibrant flavors, making it a beloved and widely used sauce in Italian cuisine.

Enjoy this flavorful pesto that is free from added salt. Whether you use it in pasta dishes or as an ingredient in other recipes, the basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil come together to create a delicious sauce that adds a burst of flavor. Don’t hesitate to freeze any extra pesto for future use.