Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 head of garlic
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Special equipment needed:
- Oven
- Food processor or blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves.
3. Drizzle the garlic head with olive oil and wrap it in aluminum foil.
4. Roast the garlic in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown.
5. Remove the garlic from the oven and let it cool.
6. Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the roasted cloves out of their skins and set them aside.
7. In a food processor or blender, combine the roasted garlic, basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
8. Blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy.
9. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
10. Serve the sauce immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 400°F (200°C)
Serving size:
- Makes about 1 cup of sauce
- Serving size: 2 tablespoons
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 3mg
- Sodium: 160mg
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pine nuts can be substituted with walnuts or almonds.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.
- Extra-virgin olive oil can be substituted with regular olive oil or vegetable oil.
Variations:
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy flavor.
- Add a handful of spinach leaves for a green color and added nutrients.
- Add a dash of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- To make the sauce creamier, add a tablespoon of heavy cream or Greek yogurt.
- To make the sauce thinner, add a tablespoon of water or vegetable broth.
- To make the sauce thicker, add more pine nuts or Parmesan cheese.
Storage instructions:
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the sauce over pasta, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables.
- Garnish the sauce with extra basil leaves or grated Parmesan cheese.
Pairings:
- Serve the sauce with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted potatoes
- Grilled asparagus
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add more olive oil or water.
- If the sauce is too thin, add more pine nuts or Parmesan cheese.
Food safety advice:
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Do not leave the sauce at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food history:
- Genovese sauce is a traditional Italian sauce from the Liguria region, which is known for its use of basil and pine nuts.
Flavor profiles:
- Roasted garlic adds a sweet and nutty flavor to the sauce, while the basil and Parmesan cheese add a savory and slightly salty flavor. The pine nuts add a nutty crunch.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the sauce as a dip for bread or vegetables.
- Use the sauce as a marinade for chicken or fish.
- Toss the sauce with pasta for a quick and easy meal.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Italian