Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of fresh amaranth leaves
- 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of pine nuts
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Food processor or blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the amaranth and basil leaves and pat them dry.
2. In a food processor or blender, add the amaranth leaves, basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic cloves.
3. Pulse the ingredients until they are coarsely chopped.
4. While the food processor is running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth.
5. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the amaranth pesto to a bowl.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: N/A
Temperature:
N/A
Serving size:
Makes about 1 cup of amaranth pesto.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of pine nuts, you can use walnuts, almonds, or cashews.
- Instead of Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
Variations:
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy flavor.
- Substitute half of the amaranth leaves with spinach leaves.
- Add a teaspoon of honey for a touch of sweetness.
Tips and tricks:
- Toasting the pine nuts before adding them to the food processor will enhance their flavor.
- If the pesto is too thick, add more olive oil until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Store the pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Storage instructions:
Store the amaranth pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Reheating instructions:
N/A
Presentation ideas:
Serve the amaranth pesto in a small bowl with a spoon for guests to serve themselves. You can also drizzle the pesto over grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables.
Garnishes:
Garnish the amaranth pesto with a sprinkle of chopped pine nuts or grated Parmesan cheese.
Pairings:
The amaranth pesto pairs well with pasta, bread, crackers, or as a dip for vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve the amaranth pesto with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pesto is too thick, add more olive oil until it reaches the desired consistency.
- If the pesto is too thin, add more pine nuts or Parmesan cheese to thicken it.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash the amaranth and basil leaves thoroughly before using them in the recipe.
Food history:
Amaranth is a plant that has been cultivated for thousands of years in Central and South America. It was an important crop for the Aztecs and is still used in traditional Mexican cuisine.
Flavor profiles:
The amaranth pesto has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor with a hint of garlic and basil.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the amaranth pesto as a dip for vegetables or spread it on bread or crackers. You can also toss it with pasta or use it as a sauce for grilled chicken or fish.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A