Pine Nut Pesto Recipe

Name: Pesto Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 50 g Pine Nuts; 50 g Parmesan Cheese; 1 Clove of Garlic; Large bunch (30 -50 g ) Fresh Basil; 150 ml Olive oil; Splash of Lemon juice; Salt & Pepper

Cowbridge Kitchen

About This Recipe

If you have ever thought about making pesto then here is the perfect recipe.

Although this pesto is made with pine nuts you can use Cashew nuts or any other types of nuts to make Pesto. Pine nuts are a bit expensive so try other nut that are a bit cheaper.

Pesto is widely used in Italian cuisine for, amongst other things Pasta and Pasta Verde.

Pesto is simple to make, you can pretty much just put all of the ingredients into a food processor and blitz it up. I like to put this pesto on top of my Pizza ...

History of Pesto
Pesto has its roots in the Liguria region of Italy, where it originated in the 16th century.

Traditionally made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, this vibrant green sauce was originally prepared using a mortar and pestle, which is reflected in its name derived from the Italian word "pestare," meaning to crush.

Over the centuries, pesto has evolved, with various regional adaptations and modern interpretations emerging, yet its classic combination of ingredients remains beloved worldwide.

Today, pesto is not only a staple in Italian cuisine but has also inspired countless variations, making it a versatile condiment enjoyed in numerous dishes across different cultures.

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Serves: Four

Easy

Cook in: No cooking

Prep: 15 min

Equipment:
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What is Pesto

Pesto, or Pesto alla Genovese, is a sauce originating in Genoa, the capital city of Liguria, Italy. It traditionally consists of crushed garlic, European pine nuts, coarse salt, basil leaves, and hard cheese such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Sardo, all blended with olive oil.

Other things often added to Pesto could be Lemon Juice and Pepper.

Pesto can be added to Pasta dough for a Pasta Verde (Green Pasta)

How to make Pesto

Cuisine:Italian

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Ingredients Nutrition Cost

50 g Pine Nuts*
50 g Parmesan Cheese
1 Clove of Garlic
Large bunch (30 -50 g ) Fresh Basil
150 ml Olive oil
Splash of Lemon juice
Salt & Pepper

Vegetarian*Contains nutsEgg free

Nutrition:
This is based on a 1 tablespoon of pesto
16g serving

Calories: 92
Protein: 1.4g
Fat: 9.5gHigh
Carbohydrates: 0.9g
Fiber: 0.2g
Sugar: 0.1g

Low sugarHigh fat

Cost to make:
£6.14 / $7.77 (Est.)

*Prices may vary.

Cooking Instructions

Lightly toast your Pine Nuts in a hot frying pan for a few minutes until lightly browned.
Grate the Parmesan cheese or chop into small pieces.
Rip up the Basil.
Put the Pine Nuts , Basil , Garlic , Oil & Cheese into a Food Processor and process until it becomes a smooth Pesto.
Season with Salt & Pepper , then mix in a splash of lemon juice to taste.

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Chefs Tips

For a thicker Pesto try reducing the oil from 150 ml to 100ml, You can play around a bit with this one.

Although I have used Pine Nuts, they can be expensive. So you can you Cashew or Almonds .

Variations

None

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