Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup of grated Pecorino Sardo cheese
- 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, peeled
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Food processor or blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Add the basil leaves, chopped walnuts, grated Pecorino Sardo cheese, and garlic cloves to the food processor or blender.
2. Pulse the ingredients until they are finely chopped and well combined.
3. While the food processor or blender is running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth and creamy.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the pesto to a bowl and serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: N/A
5. Temperature:
- N/A
Serving size:
- Makes about 1 cup of pesto
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of Pecorino Sardo cheese, you can use Parmesan or Romano cheese.
- Instead of walnuts, you can use pine nuts or almonds.
- Instead of basil, you can use arugula or spinach.
Variations:
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy flavor.
- Add a handful of cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- Toast the walnuts before adding them to the food processor or blender for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- Use high-quality, extra-virgin olive oil for the best taste.
- Store the pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Storage instructions:
- Store the pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Reheating instructions:
- N/A
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pesto in a small bowl with a spoon for spreading.
- Drizzle the pesto over pasta or grilled vegetables.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle some extra grated Pecorino Sardo cheese on top of the pesto.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh basil.
Pairings:
- Serve the pesto with crusty bread or crackers.
- Use the pesto as a sauce for pasta or pizza.
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled vegetables
- Roasted potatoes
- Crusty 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 cheese or nuts to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
- Store the pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.
Food history:
- Pesto originated in Genoa, Italy and is traditionally made with basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil.
Flavor profiles:
- The Pecorino Sardo and walnut pesto has a nutty, cheesy flavor with a hint of garlic and basil.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the pesto as a dip or spread for bread or crackers.
- Use the pesto as a sauce for pasta or pizza.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian