Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup fresh cicely leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Special equipment needed:
- Food processor or blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Wash and dry the cicely leaves.
2. Toast the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned.
3. Add the cicely leaves, toasted walnuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and black pepper to a food processor or blender.
4. Pulse the ingredients until they are well combined.
5. With the food processor or blender running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth and creamy.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: N/A
Temperature:
- N/A
Serving size:
- Makes about 1 cup of pesto
- Serving size: 2 tablespoons
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 110
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 4mg
- Sodium: 195mg
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Cicely leaves can be substituted with parsley or basil.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pine nuts or almonds.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.
- Olive oil can be substituted with sunflower oil or avocado oil.
Variations:
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
- Substitute half of the cicely leaves with arugula for a peppery kick.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Tips and tricks:
- Toasting the walnuts brings out their nutty flavor and adds a nice crunch to the pesto.
- Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the food processor or blender to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- Store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
- N/A
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pesto in a small bowl or ramekin.
- Drizzle the pesto over pasta, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese or chopped walnuts on top of the pesto.
Pairings:
- Serve the pesto with pasta, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve the pesto with a side salad or garlic bread.
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 walnuts or Parmesan cheese to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
- Wash your hands before handling any food.
- Make sure all ingredients are fresh and properly stored.
- Store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Food history:
- Cicely is an herb that has been used for centuries in Europe for its medicinal properties and as a culinary herb.
Flavor profiles:
- Cicely has a sweet, anise-like flavor that pairs well with the nutty flavor of walnuts and the salty flavor of Parmesan cheese.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the pesto as a dip for crackers or vegetables.
- Use the pesto as a spread for sandwiches or wraps.
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