The key to making creamy pesto is to add the ingredients to the food processor in the right order to ensure that the nuts break down to a fine paste before the greens have a chance to turn brown. Use basic basil pesto as a pasta sauce, or thin it out with a little olive oil to drizzle it over steak, chicken, fish, pizza or tomato salad. The mint-pistachio variation is inspired by the chef Travis Lett, of Gjelina in Venice, Calif.
Provided by Samin Nosrat
Categories quick, sauces and gravies, side dish
Time 20m
Yield 1 2/3 cups
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Pulse pine nuts in a food processor until they're completely broken down. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula from time to time. Add olive oil and garlic and pulse until garlic is finely chopped.
- Chop basil very roughly - just run a knife through it once or twice to cut most of the leaves into halves or thirds - then add to food processor. Pulse, stopping every 15 seconds to push the leaves down with a rubber spatula, until basil is entirely worked into the oil. Pulse for another few seconds, and then stop to prevent turning the basil brown.
- Pour pesto base into a bowl and add grated cheese and salt. Stir to combine, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Leave the sauce thick to toss with cooked pasta and a little pasta cooking water. To use the pesto as a garnish for grilled or roasted meats, fish and vegetables, thin it out with 2 to 3 more tablespoons olive oil until it's the consistency of a loose paste. To store leftovers, pour a little more olive oil over the pesto to cover. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 168, UnsaturatedFat 13 grams, Carbohydrate 1 gram, Fat 17 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 3 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 88 milligrams, Sugar 0 grams
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Zeeshan khan Official
[email protected]I'm not sure what I did wrong, but my pesto sauce turned out really bitter. I think I might have used too much basil.
Sarda Chhatri
[email protected]This is the best pesto sauce I've ever had! It's so easy to make and it tastes amazing. I will definitely be making this again and again.
Pawani Nimeshika
[email protected]This pesto sauce is a great way to add a pop of flavor to any dish. I love using it on pasta, pizza, and even as a dip for vegetables.
Shahid Ahamed
[email protected]I'm not a big fan of basil, but I really enjoyed this pesto sauce. It was very flavorful and I will definitely be making it again.
Arturo Hernandez
[email protected]This pesto sauce is a bit too salty for my taste. I think I'll use less salt next time.
SUMIYA Khan
[email protected]I love that this pesto sauce is made with fresh ingredients. It really makes a difference in the flavor.
Paul Ragsdale
[email protected]This is the perfect pesto sauce for busy weeknights. It's quick and easy to make, and it's always a hit with my family.
md AmirHH
[email protected]This pesto sauce is so versatile. I've used it on pasta, pizza, and even as a marinade for chicken. It's always delicious.
Antima Karki
[email protected]I love the vibrant green color of this pesto sauce. It's so appetizing.
Babul Muhammad
[email protected]This pesto sauce is a great way to use up leftover basil. It's also a great way to add flavor to a variety of dishes.
Carl Kenn
[email protected]I was disappointed with this pesto sauce. It was bland and lacked flavor. I won't be making it again.
Kristen Decker
[email protected]This pesto sauce is a bit too oily for my taste. Next time, I'll try using less olive oil.
Waheed Ur Reman
[email protected]I followed the recipe exactly and my pesto sauce turned out perfect. It was so easy to make and it tasted like it came from a restaurant.
Feroza Khatun
[email protected]This is the best pesto sauce I've ever had. It's so flavorful and fresh. I will definitely be making this again.
Emma johns
[email protected]I love how versatile this pesto sauce is. I've used it on pasta, pizza, and even as a dip for vegetables. It's always delicious.
saif eddine
[email protected]This pesto sauce is incredibly easy to make and tastes amazing! I used it on pasta and it was a hit with my family. Definitely a keeper recipe.