Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Food processor or blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the basil leaves and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until lightly browned, stirring frequently.
3. In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
4. While the food processor or blender is running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 5 minutes
Temperature:
- Room temperature
Serving size:
- Makes about 1 cup of pesto
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120 per serving
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Walnuts or almonds can be used instead of pine nuts.
- Pecorino Romano cheese can be used instead of Parmesan cheese.
Variations:
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy flavor.
- Substitute half of the basil leaves with spinach or arugula for a different flavor profile.
- Add a small amount of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Toasting the pine nuts brings out their nutty flavor and makes them more fragrant.
- 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:
- Pesto does not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pesto in a small bowl or ramekin.
- Drizzle the pesto over pasta, grilled vegetables, or chicken.
Garnishes:
- Garnish with a few fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Pairings:
- Serve the pesto with pasta, bread, or crackers.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve the pesto with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pesto is too thick, add a little more olive oil to thin it out.
- If the pesto is too thin, add more pine nuts or Parmesan cheese to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
- Store leftover pesto in the refrigerator and discard any that has been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food history:
- Pesto originated in Genoa, Italy, and has been a popular sauce for pasta and other dishes for centuries.
Flavor profiles:
- Pesto di Triora is a classic Italian sauce that is rich and flavorful, with a nutty and garlicky taste.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the pesto as a sauce for pasta, spread on bread, or as a dip for vegetables.
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Region: Italian