Easy Pesto, is a aromatic delicious sauce that has become a staple in Italian cuisine, has a rich and fascinating history. Its origins can be traced back to the Liguria region of Italy, specifically the city of Genoa. The word “pesto” comes from the Italian word “pestare,” which means to pound or crush. This refers to the traditional method of making pesto by grinding together fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil using a mortar and pestle. The exact origins of pesto are unclear, but it is believed to have been created as far back as the Roman era.
What goes great with Easy Pesto?
- How about adding it to Pizza?
- Homemade Tricolor Pasta pairs perfectly with this Pesto.
- Spread it on a piece of Avocado Toast.
- Use it as a dip for veggies.
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SIS Tip - Simple is Smart Tip for Easy Pesto
Pine nuts are expensive. To save a bundle when purchasing them purchase in bulk. I was able to find a pound of organic pine nuts on Amazon for a fraction of the in store price. About $1/ounce vs. in store price of $3-4/ounce. Once they arrived I vacuum packed and froze them in 4 ounce packages.
Nutrition Nugget for Basil
Basil contains essential nutrients that can boost cognitive function and protect against age-related decline. One of the key nutrients found in basil is vitamin K, which plays a crucial role in brain health by promoting proper blood clotting and preventing brain hemorrhages. Additionally, basil contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are known to contribute to cognitive decline. These antioxidants also protect the brain from free radicals, harmful molecules that can damage brain cells and impair cognitive function.
What Goes into My Easy Pesto?
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use organic olive oil. The olive oil is what thins out the pesto so be generous.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: I grow herbs on my back deck and love the convenience of walking out the door from my kitchen to pick fresh herbs.
- Roasted Pine Nuts: You can use raw pine nuts, but I love roasting them until lightly golden brown. Use a skillet to roast them over medium heat.
- Roasted Garlic: Roast up several heads of garlic and put the roasted cloves in some olive oil in the fridge. They keep several weeks.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate or Shave it fresh just before you use it.
- Optional: Lemon juice, Salt, and Pepper to taste.
Step by Step instructions for Pesto.
- Add the basil, pine nuts, roasted garlic and parmesan cheese to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse to chop and combine the ingredients. The mixture should be relatively smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Add the optional lemon juice and a tad more olive oil to thin it out if needed. Pulse again a few times, taste and add the salt if necessary. I also add a small pinch of pepper to mine.
- Place in a small jar with a tight-fitting lid. You can refrigerate for up to one week.
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Easy Pesto Recipe
Equipment
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- To see the ingredient amounts in metric units, click the blue "METRIC:" button between the ingredients and the instructions for this recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- ⅓ cup roasted pine nuts
- 3 cloves roasted garlic
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp salt optional
- 1 tsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Add the basil, pine nuts, roasted garlic and parmesan cheese to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse to chop and combine the ingredients. The mixture should be relatively smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Add the optional lemon juice and a tad more olive oil to thin it out if needed. Pulse again a few times, taste and add the salt if necessary. I also add a small pinch of pepper to mine.
- Place in a small jar with a tight-fitting lid. You can refrigerate for up to one week.