Best pesto recipe?

Question

Best pesto recipe?

Answer 1

Here are 3 different ideas....you can fool with the recipe with anything you have - I have used parsley also - - the green sauce is so good with pata of any type and especially over salmon - - also mixed with mayonaise for sandwiches or even in deviled eggs!!  Have fun!

INGREDIENTS

2 cups fresh basil leaves

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup olive oil

2 ounces pine nuts

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

salt and pepper to taste

1 pint light cream

DIRECTIONS

In a food processor, combine basil and garlic. Begin processing, and pour in olive oil in a thin stream. Process for about 40 seconds, or until mixture begins to emulsify. Add pine nuts and Parmesan, then blend for 1 minute.

Heat cream in a saucepan over low heat until simmering. Pour 1/2 of the hot cream into the processor with basil pesto, and pulse for 20 seconds to incorporate. Pour mixture back into cream, and simmer for 5 minutes, or until thickened.

--------------------------------------...

INGREDIENTS

3 cups fresh basil leaves

1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts

4 cloves garlic, peeled

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

In a food processor, blend together basil leaves, nuts, garlic, and cheese. Pour in oil slowly while still mixing. Stir in salt and pepper.

--------------------------------------...

Pesto Del Sol

"After they baste in the sun all summer long, I cut down my basil plants and make this delightful pesto. This basil pesto has been mellowed with fresh spinach and enhanced by the taste of black olives. I make big batches and freeze in small container for the whole year. It will keep in the fridge for a week. Toss with pasta. Spread on meat or sandwiches. Add a spoonful for favoring to lots of recipes. Enjoy!"



PREP TIME  20 Min  

READY IN  20 Min  

INGREDIENTS

1 cup packed fresh spinach

1 cup packed fresh basil

3/4 cup pine nuts

1/2 cup walnuts

24 small black olives

4 cloves garlic

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup grated Romano cheese

1 cup olive oil

1 dash black pepper

DIRECTIONS

In a food processor, blend spinach, basil, pine nuts, walnuts, olives and garlic. Blend in Parmesan cheese and Romano cheese. Gradually add oil, processing until smooth; season with pepper. Serve at room temperature.

Answer 2

2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed,

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano or Romano cheese (I prefer Romano, it's ok to use pre-grated cheese if you can't find fresh)

1/2 cup extra virgin or virgin olive oil

1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts

3 medium sized garlic cloves, minced (more if you really like garlic)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Nowadays most people like to use blenders or food processors, use a low setting and pulse the machine, do not use a constant setting, the heat changes the flavor.

Chop the garlic first, do not let the machine chop it, use a cleaver of large kitchen knife.

Put the olive oil in first, then the basil till chopped, then the nuts, then the garlic, then the cheese, take out of machine and mix in the salt & pepper with a spoon.

If you have time and if you like a traditional flavor use a wooden mortar and a pestle. Chop the basil leaves with a cleaver or large kitchen knife, same for the garlic and nuts, then add a few pieces at a time into the mortar with a little olive oil, grind with pestle, add some more, grind some more, and so on, the add the cheese and the seasoning. That's the way they used to do it (and the purists still do) in the "old country".

Just in case you don't know what a mortar is, (no everyone does) here's a picture:

http://www.touchofeurope.net/mm5/graphic...

they can be found even in places like Walmart & Target. For a goo wooden one you might have to got to an upscale housewares store.

Answer 3

Pesto Sauce

INGREDIENTS

    * 3 cups fresh basil leaves

    * 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts (Pignoli nuts are better)

    * 4 cloves garlic, peeled

    * 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

    * 1 cup olive oil

    * salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

   1. In a food processor, blend together basil leaves, nuts, garlic, and cheese. Pour in oil slowly while still mixing. Stir in salt and pepper.