Pesto, or to refer to it by its full name, Pesto alla Genovese, is a delicious, fresh-tasting sauce originating from Genoa in the Liguria region of northern Italy.
At its heart, pesto is a simple sauce, yet it is bursting with vibrant flavours. The traditional recipe requires just a handful of high-quality ingredients, which include fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, Pecorino cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. Its versatility makes it perfect for pasta, as a spread on bread, or even as a vibrant addition to your favourite soup or salad.
Ingredients:
- 50 grams fresh basil leaves
- 120 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 50 grams pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese
- 25 grams grated Pecorino cheese
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
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Rinse the fresh basil leaves under cold water and pat them dry.
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In a blender or food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic. Blend until everything is finely chopped.
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Add the Parmesan and Pecorino cheese to the blender and blend again.
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While the blender or food processor is running, slowly add the extra virgin olive oil. Continue to blend until you have a smooth, emulsified sauce.
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Taste your pesto and add salt if needed. Remember, the cheeses already add a salty flavour, so be careful not to over-salt.
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Your fresh pesto is now ready to use! You can mix it directly into freshly cooked pasta, spread it on bread, or even add a dollop to your favourite soup.
To conclude, authentic Italian pesto is more than just a sum of its parts. It's a symphony of flavours created from simple, fresh ingredients. When making pesto, ensure your ingredients, especially the basil, are as fresh as possible for the best taste. Also, remember that pesto doesn't heat well, so if you're using it with pasta, add it after the pasta has been cooked and drained. The heat from the pasta will warm the sauce just enough. Lastly, remember that pesto oxidises (darkens) when exposed to air. To store leftover pesto, pour a thin layer of olive oil on top before refrigerating, this will help maintain its bright green colour. Enjoy the burst of freshness in every bite with your homemade Italian pesto!