PESTO 8 WAYS • PART ONE

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Pesto 8 Ways • Part One image

If you love pesto or have never tried it before, here are 4 easy recipes to get you started.

Provided by Francine Lizotte

Categories     Other Sauces

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 41

BASIC PESTO
1 c fresh basil leaves, packed
1 large clove garlic
2 Tbsp pine nuts
1/2 tsp ground himalayan sea salt, or to taste
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste (i always use mixed peppercorns)
3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, or as needed
1/4 c grana padano cheese, grated
ITALIAN PESTO
1 1/2 c fresh basil leaves, packed
1/2 c fresh parsley, packed
1 large roma tomato, seeded and roughly chopped
1/4 c pistachios, hulled
2 large cloves garlic
6 Tbsp parmigiano-reggiano cheese, grated
1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 tsp ground himalayan sea salt, or to taste
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste (i always use mixed peppercorns)
1/4 c extra virgin olive oil, or as needed
MEXICAN PESTO
1 c fresh cilantro, packed
1 c fresh parsley, packed
1/4 c pepitas
2 large cloves garlic
1/4 c cotija cheese (substitute feta)
1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
1 Tbsp hot sauce such as cholula, or to taste
1/4 tsp ground himalayan sea salt, or to taste
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste (i always use mixed peppercorns)
4 Tbsp canola oil, or as needed
ASIAN PESTO
2 c fresh basil leaves, packed
1/2 c fresh cilantro, packed
1/4 c unsalted cashews
1 Tbsp sesame seeds
1/2 Tbsp fresh ginger, chopped
1 tsp low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 tsp chili oil
3 Tbsp canola oil, or as needed
1/4 tsp ground himalayan sea salt, or to taste
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste (i always use mixed peppercorns)

Steps:

  • 1. BASIC PESTO: In the bowl of a food processor, add basil, garlic and pine nuts; season with ground sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the lid, remove the pusher and process for about 15 to 20 seconds before adding the grated cheese.
  • 2. Restart the appliance and slowly, emulsify the oil by adding it in a steady small stream. Stop a few times to scrape the sides of the bowl; taste and adjust if necessary. Yields 2/3rd's of a cup
  • 3. ITALIAN PESTO: In the bowl of a food processor, add basil, parsley, tomato, pistachios, garlic, cheese, lemon juice, salt and pepper; process for 15 seconds.
  • 4. Emulsify the oil by slowly pouring it through the feed tube. Stop a few times to scrape the sides of the bowl; taste and adjust if necessary. Makes 1 cup
  • 5. MEXICAN PESTO: In the bowl of a food processor, add cilantro, parsley, pepitas, garlic, cotija cheese, lime juice, hot sauce, salt and pepper; process for 15 seconds then clean the sides of the bowl.
  • 6. Restart the processor before slowly pouring in the oil in a steady small stream. Makes 1 cup
  • 7. ASIAN PESTO: In the bowl of a food processor, add basil, cilantro, unsalted cashews, sesame seeds, ginger, low-sodium soy sauce, and chili oil; process for 15 seconds and clean the sides of the bowl.
  • 8. Emulsify the oil by slowly pouring in through the feed tube while the appliance is running; taste and adjust if necessary. Yields 2/3rd's of a cup

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