PESTO AND PISTOU

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I use pesto and pistou in many other dishes besides pasta. Pesto is a nutritionally dense condiment; basil is a great source of flavonoids that are believed to have antioxidant and antibacterial properties. It's also an excellent source of vitamin K, and a very good source of iron, calcium and vitamin A. Purists will only use a mortar and pestle for pesto. I like the results I get using a hand blender inside a straight-sided jar. As long as you make the full batch, this is the best machine to use, as it purées the basil much more efficiently than a food processor.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     easy, quick, condiments

Yield 1/2 to 2/3 cup

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 or 2 garlic cloves, to taste
2 cups fresh basil leaves, tightly packed 2 ounces
2 tablespoons Mediterranean pine nuts* (for pesto; omit for pistou)
Salt
freshly ground pepper to taste
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup (1 1/2 ounces) freshly grated Parmesan, or a mixture of pecorino Romano and Parmesan more to taste

Steps:

  • If using a hand blender, place the garlic, basil, pine nuts, salt and olive oil in a pint jar. Stick the hand blender right down into the mixture and turn on. Blend until smooth. You may have to start and stop a few times at the beginning, and scrape down the sides of the jar. Once the mixture is smooth, add the cheese and stir or blend together. If using a food processor fitted with the steel blade, turn on and drop in the garlic. When it is chopped and adhering to the sides of the bowl, stop the machine and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula. Add the basil, pine nuts, salt, pepper and olive oil to the food processor and process until smooth and creamy. Add the Parmesan and pulse until well combined. If using a mortar and pestle, add the basil leaves a handful at a time and mash with the pestle. Add the pine nuts, garlic, salt and pepper, and mash to a paste with the basil. Work in the olive oil and the Parmesan.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 800, UnsaturatedFat 55 grams, Carbohydrate 6 grams, Fat 81 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 15 grams, SaturatedFat 16 grams, Sodium 817 milligrams, Sugar 0 grams

praise ukah
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This pesto is amazing! I've made it several times and it's always a hit. It's so flavorful and easy to make.


kazi Sifat
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I love this pesto! It's so flavorful and versatile. I've used it on pasta, pizza, and even as a marinade for chicken. It's always a hit.


anil kumar
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This is the best pesto recipe I've ever tried. It's so easy to make and it tastes amazing. I've used it on pasta, pizza, and even as a dip for vegetables. It's always a hit!


Precious Jonathan
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I'm not a huge fan of pesto, but this recipe changed my mind. It's so flavorful and delicious. I've been using it on everything from pasta to sandwiches.


Brian Jones
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This pesto recipe is a keeper! It's so easy to make and it tastes so good. I've already made it twice and I'm sure I'll be making it many more times in the future.


lucy nyambura
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I love this pesto! It's so easy to make and it tastes amazing. I've used it on pasta, pizza, and even as a dip for vegetables.


samiulahaq afghan
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I've made this pesto several times and it's always a hit. It's so flavorful and versatile.


Sharef Ahmed
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Delicious and easy to make! I'll definitely be using this recipe again.


Andre Green
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This pesto is so easy to make and it tastes amazing! I'll definitely be making it again and again.


Eugenia Caballero Realtor
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I love that this recipe uses fresh basil. It really makes a difference in the flavor of the pesto.


ABUBAKARI ABDULRAHAMAN
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This pesto is so versatile! I've used it on pasta, pizza, and even as a dip for vegetables. It's always a crowd-pleaser.


Celine Kalungi
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I'm new to cooking and this recipe was perfect for me. It was easy to follow and the results were delicious! I'll definitely be making this again.


amanda neeson
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I made this pesto for a pasta dish and it was a hit! The nutty flavor of the pine nuts and the brightness of the lemon really elevated the dish.


Shazab khan
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I was skeptical about making my own pesto, but this recipe made it so easy and straightforward. I love how fresh and flavorful it is compared to store-bought pesto.


Rebecca Fricke
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This pesto recipe is a game-changer! I've tried many pesto recipes before, but this one takes the cake. The combination of basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese is perfect, and the addition of lemon zest and garlic gives it a nice zing.