Basic Pesto is a mixture of herbs, garlic, nuts, Parmesan cheese and olive oil and is used as a salad dressing or sauce for many dishes. My family likes to use pesto as a pasta dressing when we serve pasta as a starter and you don’t want it to be too heavy. Always use extra virgin olive oil—that is oil derived from the first pressing of the olives. The taste is far superior and the resulting dish is only as good as the ingredients that you put in.
Ingredients
3 cups of fresh herbs (See Variations below.)
2 cloves of garlic.
1/4 cup of complimentary nuts (See Variations below)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
1 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
Instructions
Remove leaves from the herb bunch to make 3 cups of loosely packed leaves. Place leaves in a food processor or blender together with the garlic, nuts and Parmesan.
Add a couple of spoonfuls of Olive oil and using the pulse action of the processor mix the ingredients until they are finely chopped –not liquified.
If you feel the mixture has become too dry add another tsp of oil. Add the remaining extra virgin Olive oil with the processor running and process until a paste is formed.
Refrigerate your finished basic pesto in an airtight container until ready for use.
Variations
The most suitable nut to go with each ingredient is in brackets beside the ingredient:
Basil (Pine nuts)
Coriander (Unsalted roasted peanuts)
Mint (Cashew nuts)
Rocket (Pine nuts)
A nut free pesto is known as a concasse.
Basic Pesto and Variations
Basic Pesto is a mixture of herbs, garlic, nuts, Parmesan cheese and olive oil and is used as a salad dressing or sauce for many dishes. My family likes to use pesto as a pasta dressing when we serve pasta as a starter and you don’t want it to be too heavy. Always use extra virgin olive oil—that is oil derived from the first pressing of the olives. The taste is far superior and the resulting dish is only as good as the ingredients that you put in.
- 3 cups of fresh herbs See Variations below.
- 2 cloves of garlic.
- 1/4 cup of complimentary nuts See Variations below
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
Remove leaves from the herb bunch to make 3 cups of loosely packed leaves. Place leaves in a food processor or blender together with the garlic, nuts and Parmesan.
Add a couple of spoonfuls of Olive oil and using the pulse action of the processor mix the ingredients until they are finely chopped –not liquified.
If you feel the mixture has become too dry add another tsp of oil. Add the remaining extra virgin Olive oil with the processor running and process until a paste is formed.
Refrigerate your finished basic pesto in an airtight container until ready for use.
Variations
The most suitable nut to go with each ingredient is in brackets beside the ingredient:
Basil (Pine nuts)
Coriander (Unsalted roasted peanuts)
Mint (Cashew nuts)
Rocket (Pine nuts)
A nut free pesto is known as a concasse.
Greetings, I am Donnie Caves, the driving force behind Recipes Mania. I am thrilled to welcome you to my kitchen on the internet, where I strive to satiate your culinary curiosity with a medley of recipes, cooking tips, and foodie insights.My earlier life was deeply rooted in farming, where I honed a genuine appreciation for the earth's generous offerings. However, an unforeseen accident shifted my life, leading to physical paralysis. The farmer in me didn't falter; instead, it found a new field to cultivate - the kitchen and the written word.Recipes Mania is more than a website; it's a testament to the transformative power of passion and resilience. The accident may have reshaped my physical capabilities, but it magnified my spirit's zest. This new zest led me to create Recipes Mania, a place where I channel my love for food and share the joy of cooking with the world.Each recipe, cooking tip, and food article you find on Recipes Mania reflects my personal journey of exploring the world of culinary delights. They are a testament to my belief that good food, like good thoughts, has the power to uplift and rejuvenate the spirit.But Recipes Mania isn't just about my culinary adventures. I also believe in the enriching power of shared experiences, and thus, this space is also a platform for you to share your favorite recipes, cooking hacks, and food stories.The vision of Recipes Mania extends beyond its digital pages. I hope it spills into your kitchen, inspiring you to experiment, create, and most importantly, enjoy the process of cooking. The goal is to ignite a love for food that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, creating a global community of food enthusiasts.On a practical note, Recipes Mania also helps me meet the financial challenges posed by my accident. Running this site keeps me busy and productive, adding a sense of fulfillment and purpose to my life.In essence, Recipes Mania is about celebrating life, resilience, and the joy of cooking. It's a showcase of the healing power of good food, the strength of the human spirit, and the joys of sharing our culinary adventures.Join me in this journey of exploring tastes, savoring flavors, and creating magic in the kitchen. Bon Appétit!
