Basil Pesto

As Italian as it may sound and as wonderfully packed as it may come,nothing beats the taste,aroma and depth of home made Pesto.A delicately flavored and subtle choice for all kinds of Pastas,its also used to stuff bread dough before baking to give a beautiful and “complete” feel to eating the bread.But there might be some of us out there who may not know what Pesto is lets explain it to them.

What is Pesto?

Pesto is a paste of Basil(a leaf which is typically characteristic of the family of the species of Indian Tulsi which is called Holy Basil),Pine Nuts(called Chilgoza in Hindi – available with big departmental stores or dry fruit and nuts specialist shops in Metropolitan cities.Those living in towns can buy online as well),Garlic,Olive Oil(compulsorily Extra Virgin),lemon juice/vinegar and Parmesan Cheese.

The ingredients for Pesto

This paste is used in Pastas(most commonly Spaghetti) to envelop them in delicious green goodness after which the recipe is served with well buttered and toasted cheesy garlic bread or breaded chicken.

NOTE – While making Pesto remember:

1.If you are making it to use instantly for Pasta then add the Parmesan Cheese.If you are making to store the Pesto for a few days please omit the Cheese as it does not store well and in 2-3 days will start lending a musty odor to the Pesto and also start discoloring much to your dismay.

2.Always store the Pesto in plenty of Extra Virgin Olive Oil.Otherwise it will turn dry and lose out on flavors.

3.If you do not have Pine Nuts then use Walnuts,Hazelnuts or Cashewnuts.

4.Use the bowl of a food processor.If you do not have a food processor then use a blender jar.

5.Do not add salt and add it at the time of making the Pasta recipe.The salt might get caked and spoil the taste of the Pesto.

6.Try and use fresh lemon juice if possible as vinegar gives a very strong flavor to the Pesto.However these are used for preservation and a tangy taste.

You may add the Cheese at the time of making the Pasta recipe.My recipe is just made that way!

Lets proceed now that we know what is Pesto.

Preparation Time – 15 – 20 minutes

Makes – Approximately 2 cups or 1 Standard Jar

INGREDIENTS

2 cups(tightly packed) Basil leaves

1 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1/2 cup Pine Nuts

4-5 fresh Garlic cloves

1 tbsp lemon juice or 1/2 tbsp white vinegar

1/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese(optional) – Depends if you are making the Pasta immediately.

METHOD

In a food processor bowl add the Pine Nuts,1/4 cup oil and the garlic cloves.Process until smooth.

Now add the basil leaves and 2 tbsp oil.Process again till leaves are well blended.Add the lemon juice/vinegar and Parmesan Cheese(if using) and blend again till fully processed and smooth.