Friday, January 9, 2009

Speaking of Pesto...

...Here's the simple recipe I've been using for quite a while -- though, as with all non-baking recipes, adjustments for taste are more important than exact measurements! While pine nuts are "traditional" in pesto, I learned from a chef friend (executive chef at I Matti in Adams Morgan for a time) in DC that pistachio-based pesto is my favorite. So rich and decadent...

Pesto is so good with so many different dishes -- pastas, breads, vegetables (especially beans and asparagus), fish (especially salmon, swordfish, and tuna), chicken, pork -- it's always nice to have some around the house.


You will need:
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup pistachios
  • 3-4 large sized garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (salty pistachios and Parmesan may negate the need for extra salt)
Directions:

1. Combine the basil in with the pistachios, pulse a few times in a food processor. Add the garlic, pulse a few times more.

2. Slowly add the olive oil in a constant stream while the food processor is on. Stop to scrape down the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula. Add the grated cheese and pulse again until blended. Taste, then add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, as necessary.

This can also be done in a blender, though I always use my food processor.

I'll have to post my White Clam Sauce recipe one of these days...

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Laurie usually makes pesto with walnuts. It freezes well, so we usually have some hanging around somewhere.

Mr. W said...

Man, no comments on this most excellent pesto -- what kind of losers cruise by here, anyway?!?!

;-)

Mr. W said...

Damn, Bob tied me, so I didn't mean him, Laurie, or their walnuts!

Anonymous said...

Pesto is one of the things our oldest daughter loves, too often she's a carb and hot dog girl.

In the summer, I usually have about 10 pesto pots and a few parsley pots growing, so we can pesto every week. How come you don't add a little parsley?

Mr. W said...

Pesto Pots?

Basil Pots?

Parsley in pesto?!?! Commie!!!!

Anonymous said...

Parsley, blech! Don't use the stuff for anything anymore: use cilantro instead....