What is Pesto Sauce?
Pesto sauce is a delicious Italian sauce made from fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It has been around for centuries, and is a staple in many Italian households. The name comes from the Italian word for “pounded”, as the ingredients are all pounded together in a mortar and pestle. It is a very versatile sauce, and can be used in many different dishes, from pasta to pizza and even as a condiment on sandwiches.
Ingredients
To make the best pesto sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of fresh basil leaves
- 3 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
- 1/2 cup of pine nuts, toasted
- 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
Begin by toasting the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Pulse until a thick paste forms, about 5 minutes. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the processor bowl a few times.
Serving and Storage
To serve, toss your favorite cooked pasta in the pesto sauce, or spread it on top of a piece of toasted bread. It can also be used as a condiment on sandwiches, or as an ingredient in other dishes, such as pizza or soups. Pesto sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Variations
For a vegan version of pesto sauce, replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast. You can also add different herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a different flavor. You can also add nuts or seeds, such as walnuts, almonds, cashews, or sunflower seeds, for a different texture. For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Tips
When making pesto sauce, make sure to use the freshest ingredients possible. Fresh basil leaves will give you the best flavor. Always toast the pine nuts before adding them to the food processor, as this will give the pesto a richer flavor. When adding the olive oil, use extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor. Additionally, when storing the pesto sauce, make sure to use an airtight container so that it doesn't lose its flavor.
Conclusion
Pesto sauce is a delicious and versatile sauce that can be used in many different dishes. It is easy to make and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. You can also add different herbs and nuts or seeds to customize the flavor and texture of the sauce. When making pesto, always use the freshest ingredients and be sure to toast the pine nuts before adding them to the food processor.
