And it isthedefining flavor of Liguria, the rugged coastal sweep of northwestern Italy where it originated.
If you’ve only ever tried jarred pesto, do yourself a favor and make a homemade batch.
It’s easy to do if you follow a few key steps.
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Once you’ve tried it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
What Is Pesto?
There are many iterations of pesto, both traditional and nontraditional.
To make traditionalpesto, look for young basil, with leaves no bigger than the pad of your thumb.
Mature basil has a strong flavor and is too “woody” to be pounded to a creamy consistency.
What Is Pesto Made Of?
What Does Pesto Taste Like?
Properly made pesto tastes fresh and zingy and balanced, not muddy.
Basil is the star, for sure, but its perfume works in balance with the other ingredients.
What’s So Special About Pesto?
There’s a magical quality to pesto.
Tossed with hot pasta, its flavor becomes more vibrant as it warms from the residual heat.
Dolloped into a bowl of minestrone, it brightens the taste of the vegetables.
It can jazz up simple baked fish, and it’s heaven on a tomato-and-mozzarella sandwich.
It’s a versatile sauce that pairs well with many flavors and dishes.
Pesto is also ideal for creative culinary riffing.
While basil is the traditional herb for pesto, nothing says it’s possible for you to’t improvise.
Why not add a handful of mint from that giant mound in your garden?
Or use the bunch of parsley that’s been sitting in your crisper drawer?
Try buttery, slightly bitter walnuts instead.
How Do You Eat Pesto?
The most common way to enjoy pesto is with pasta.
Of course, there are countless other ways to put your pesto to use.
Spread a little on top of grilled eggplant, mushrooms or peppers.
Use it to season chicken salad or potato salad, or as a filling forstuffed chicken breasts.
Thin it with a little oil and drizzle over a fresh caprese salad.
It’s also a delicious flavor bomb for homemadepizza, focaccia and bread.
Is Pesto Healthy?
Plus, it’s packed with flavor, so a small serving goes a long way."
you’ve got the option to control the sodium bymaking your own.
Store in the fridge for up to three days.
Can You Freeze Pesto?
it’s possible for you to also freeze pesto in an ice cube tray.
This gives you conveniently small portions perfect for flavoring soups, dressings, sauces and more.
