Pesto I
Pesto is a sauce that originates in the city of Genoa in the Liguria region of northern Italy (pesto alla genovese). It can be used as a sauce for pasta or meat, or can be used as an ingredient in a variety of dishes. One classic use is to spread the pesto onto slices of bread before toasting. The word "pesto" derives from the Italian for pestle, pestello.
- Prep
- 23 min
- Cook
- 54 min
- Total
- 1 hr 17 min
- Servings
- As written in source
- Difficulty
- Advanced
Timings are approximate — worked out from the method, not measured in a test kitchen.
Ingredients
Quantities are retained as written by the source and do not scale automatically. Tap an ingredient to check it off as you go.
Cooking instructions
Procedure
Preheat the oven to 425 °F (220 °C).
Procedure
If using, toast the pine nuts in an ovenproof pan for 10–15 minutes, checking every 5 minutes to prevent excessive browning or burning.
Procedure
In a small frying pan (skillet), heat 2 tbsp of the olive oil on medium heat.
Procedure
Crush the garlic and sauté in the oil until soft, about 2–3 minutes.
Procedure
Combine the basil, garlic, cheese, pine nuts and oil in a mortar and pestle until it forms a smooth paste, or use a food processor or blender and chop finely, slowly adding the oil to reach the paste-like consistency.
Notes, tips and variations
The sauce can be used immediately, when covered with a thin layer of olive oil and refrigerated in an airtight container for one week, or when frozen for several months. The cheese can be omitted to allow longer storage, as it is the most likely ingredient to spoil. Grated cheese can then be added before use.
Notes, tips and variations
It's possible to store pesto in jars for longer periods, but it's advisable to add a little extra olive oil on top of the filled jar, otherwise the top of your pesto will turn brown as it oxidizes in the air.
Notes, tips and variations
Traditionally, a mortar and pestle is used to make the sauce. The crushing action of the mortar and pestle produces a more intense flavor than the chopping action of a food processor. When using a food processor, you can simulate the additional flavor given by the mortar and pestle method by placing the basil leaves in a plastic bag and crushing them with a rubber mallet or rolling pin prior to use.
Notes, tips and variations
Good quality Parmesan cheese may replace the Pecorino for a milder taste. Crumbled feta cheese also works well for a different taste.
Notes, tips and variations
A common change to the recipe is to replace some or all of the pine nuts with sunflower seeds, walnuts, pistachios, or almonds. This significantly reduces the cost of the sauce. Besides being cheaper, it is also necessary for people with nut allergies.
Notes, tips and variations
For a creamy sauce, take 2 tablespoons of the pesto in a pan and heat on medium-low. Add 1 cup light cream and bring to a simmer. Use for pasta.
Notes, tips and variations
The pine nuts can be replaced with an equal quantity of sun-dried tomatoes.
Notes, tips and variations
You may change the taste by changing the base of the pesto from basil to other easily obtained herbs/vegetables. Some variations include using cilantro (coriander, for a more aromatic taste) or spinach (more "bang for your buck", as spinach is much cheaper than basil, yet still has its own distinct flavor).
Notes, tips and variations
Try to mix up the standard basil/garlic combo by introducing shallots (sweet onions) into the mix, as they add a slight sweet taste to the paste.
Notes, tips and variations
Mix fresh chives, marjoram, and thyme with the basil to produce something akin to Valdostano-style pesto.
Notes, tips and variations
Another variant replaces the basil with equal parts of leaf parsley and spring onions. Arugula may also be substituted for basil with surprising, spicy results.
Notes, tips and variations
For another variation of a creamy sauce, add cream cheese to the recipe.
Notes, tips and variations
A vegan variant can be made by mixing walnuts, fresh basil, olive oil and small amounts (such as a table spoon per cup) of white miso paste.
Photo: David Johnson [1] · CC BY-SA 3.0 · http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ · Photo source and licence
Wikibooks contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ · Adapted; quantities retained as written. · Original source
Read it through first
Skim all 18 steps before you start — it is the difference between cooking and firefighting.
Scale it
Use the quantities listed in the original recipe. Adjust them manually if making a different batch size.
Storage
Cool completely, then keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Reheating
Reheat gently with a splash of water in a covered pan, rather than blasting it, so nothing dries out.
Approximate values per serving. Worked out from the ingredient list — treat them as a guide, not a measurement.
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