No more store bought pesto! This homemade version of fresh basil pesto will completely change your world of Pesto n Pasta!
FIVE main ingredients, processed together to the most versatile and vibrant Basil Pesto Sauce!
Let me tell you if you're still using the store-bought pesto, believe me, this homemade version of pesto will be a revelation with its fresh ingredients and the best olive oil.
Though there are many types of pesto ruling over these days, let's stick to the basic Italian version, with my personal spin!
The Basic Recipe
Fresh Basil LeavesUnfiltered Extra Virgin Olive OilFresh Garlic podsParmigiano Reggiano cheese(Fresh Parmesan)Toasted Pine NutsToss everything in the food processor. Pulse a few times. Add more olive oil and cheese.Done and done!<Adding salt and freshly ground black pepper is completely optional>
My variations -
Blanch Basil Leaves.
Yes! in the exactly same manner we do with spinach leaves while making the exotic Indian 'Palak Paneer' recipe.
Prepare a bowl of ice water. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Put the basil and parsley in a sieve and plunge it into the boiling water, pushing the leaves down into the water and stirring them so they blanch evenly. Blanch for 15 seconds, then plunge the herbs into the ice water to stop the cooking. Drain immediately. Dry the leaves on kitchen towel for 10 minutes, then roughly chop Roast or 'stir-fry' Garlic in olive oil
You can roast garlic pods in oven, or,
Put a small/medium-sized frying pan on medium/low heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil. Add chopped garlic. Stir Fry till it turns light brown. Remove from heatAlways add 'nicely' toasted Pine-nuts
Put a small frying pan on medium/low heat. Add the pine nuts and continuously toss and stir them until they’re slightly brown and fragrant. Let few of them get dark in color, no offenseUse heavy weight Mortar and Pestle instead of food processor
I still remember how 'Nani Maa' (Grandma) used to make green chutneys in mortar and pestle. Never got that taste and texture in food processor or blenders.
If adding salt and pepper, always add just before giving the last pulse
Just like all other Indian chutneys, always add salt and pepper in the last churn. According to my Mum, salt and freshly ground pepper should always be cooked or churned for a lesser period of time. better to add at the finishing point. Good for all Indian curries too
When making Basil Pesto at home, you can control exactly how runny or thick you want your pesto to be. Just be sure to add more olive oil until your desired consistency is reached. If, by mistake, you over-churn your pesto, without any worries, add more of cheese and olive oil, without churning anymore.
INGREDIENTS
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