Basil Pesto - 3 different ways
Basil pesto | 3 different ways
Add some an some extra flavor to (most) dishes with homemade pesto! Such a versatile food item that is easy to whip up and easily add some extra edge to your meals. The term “pesto,” actually comes from the Italian term “pestare,” which means to pound. The traditional method of making pesto is by using a mortar and pestle to muddle up and bring out the aromatic flavors of your herbs. Pesto dates back to Roman times and can be associated with a sauce called moretum, which was make from herbs, cheese, salt, oils, vinegar and of course garlic. In Ancient times this sauce was enjoyed with bread but today we see pesto used in many different dishes!
Not only is pesto delicious to add to various dishes, in itself it can have quite the variety too! So whether you like things more citrusy, creamy, salty, or spicy: Pesto can do it! Find your Flavor with these three different recipes that were shared in our recent event on Basil (Sign-up for the Next).
Why you will come to love pesto
Simplicity - Quick and easy with ingredients you likely have already.
Staple - This is one of those foods I consider a staple because it is so flexible and consistent.
Nutritional - Likely rich in antioxidants (may vary with ingredients), heart healthy fats, vitamins AND minerals.
Ingredients & Suggestions
Ingredients are chosen with consideration for replacements.
Nuts - Walnut, Pine, Peanut, etc.
Herb - Basil, Thyme, Oregano, Red Pepper Flakes
Salt & Pepper
Vinegar (Rice)
Oils (Sesame & Olive)
Lemon or Lime (Juice)
Garlic
These recipes are meant to be flexible to your needs and preference. Experiment with different ingredients to find the texture, smell, and taste of your liking! Use what you have on hand and experiment to make it your own!
How to make pesto | 3 different ways
You’ll need:
Dried OR Fresh Herbs
Oil
Nuts
Vinegar
Citrus
Garlic
Optional Additions (listed below)
Mortar and Pestle or Food Processor (Check out my Favorite)
Instructions
Add your ingredients into a mortar and pestle OR food processor. I often will cheat if I am pressed for time and use this blender <- from Walmart. It is cheap and has some a nice choice of cup attachments. Simple blend everything together to make a paste. You can adjust the creaminess and texture to your liking.
NOTE: All recipes below are smaller versions to the recipe measurements
(1) Thai variation
Ingredients:
1 C Thai Basil (Regular Works Perfect)
1-2 Cloves of Garlic
1-2 Tbsp of Peanuts (Roasted for an bit of Smokey flavor)
2 1/2 tsp Rice Vinegar
dash of red pepper flakes (Or more if you Prefer)
1/2 T honey or maple syrup (bourbon maple syrup might be extra delicious)
1/2 t soy sauce
1/2 T lime juice (Or about half a lime)
Perfect if you like a spicy edge, or want to bring our the best of your Thai Basil. I personally prefer more mild ingredients so feel free to “spice,” it up however your heart desires.
(2) Winter warmth
Ingredients:
1 cup Basil
1/2 cup Oregano
1 Tsp Thyme
1-2 Tbsp Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 Tbsp Walnuts
1 Tbsp Lemon Juice (1/2 lemon juiced)
2-4 Tbsp Olive Oil
Oregano and Thyme are fabulous during the winter months, and quite warming herbs. Just by chewing a bit of thyme can reveal the warming sensation on your lips. Basil is also warming and relaxing, but also uplifting! [Read more about Basil here]
(3)the Classic
Ingredients:
1 cup basil
1 clove of garlic
1-2 Tbsp Pine Nuts
1/2 Tbsp Lemon Juice (Or about half of Lemon Juiced)
1-2 Tbsp Olive oil
1-2 Tbsp Parmesan
Salt & Pepper (to taste)
You can never go wrong with the basics. If you do not have access to any ingredients, it is easy to swap them out and find your favorite flavors! Ever since I was little I liked to think of recipes as mere suggestions. When there is a will, there is a way in the kitchen ;)
Adapted from:TheMediterraneanDish
#themediterraneandish
bonus variations or adaptations
BONUS > Greek Variation Ideas (make your own)
Oregano, Parsley, Dill
Greek Yogurt and or Feta
Olive Oil, Garlic, Lemon
Olives (Pitted, Greek)
We all know how different our preference in food is across the globe. Even in our home we might all have something different for dinner once upon a time, honestly just to fully satisfy each individuals preference. One day I am having leftovers of steak and potatoes from last night while my mom has some shrimp or fish-sticks and my dad has a mixture of both. Another day it’s Hunter taking me to a different restaurant first (Taco-Bell, an occasional weakness) before somewhere he prefers to go (Anywhere with chicken).
For extra creaminess try adding these into the mix:
Cashews
Dairy (Cheese, Creams, etc.)
Avocado
Reserved Pasta Water
White Beans
For Flavor Adjustments: Play around with the amount of garlic. If you know you really like or don’t like something, simply add more or less. Add white pepper and roasted nuts for some smokey flavor. If you don’t like the acidic taste of citrus and vinegar, try it with less or none at all.
Serving & Storage
If you are serving for a crowd, or maybe just prefer a brighter looking pesto: try blanching and doing an ice bath for your basil. If you are using Thai Basil and want a more classic flavor you can mix in some spinach or other greens.
Now that you have learned just how versatile pesto can be, I hope you can imagine many dishes with this easy addition. Shrimp and Salmon, maybe with the Thai style! Perhaps you prefer a classic pasta where it fits in like a missing puzzle piece. Pesto could even add some extra flavor to your rice! There are so many ways to use this incredibly easy condiment/sauce.
Pesto typically lasts about 5-7 days in the refrigerator but can last up to 3-4 months if frozen. Freezing is easiest by placing pesto in ice-cubes and and topping with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent browning or freezer burn. It can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator, or on low defrost setting in the microwave. The nice thing about freezing a smaller amount is how easy it is to throw into warm recipes like soups or stews without even needing to thaw!
Other Recipes & Resources
Summer Sweet Potato “Pizza” with Pesto→ [Read Here]
Quality Olive Oil → [Purchase]
Learn about Basil
Sign-Up for ‘Find your Flavor’
Pine Nuts → [Purchase Here]
Soy Sauce → [Purchase]
Rice Vinegar → [Purchase]
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