The main ingredient, basil, is my favorite summer herb. I use basil in so many things this time of year, including drinks (*side note: it is excellent in a refreshing gin and tonic, especially using Hendricks Gin…but I digress). It gets chopped and mixed with other herbs and garlic to flavor vegetables and fish and breads. But to me, the all-time best use is to make pesto.
Pesto is not just for pasta. Of course it is divine mixed into freshly made warm pasta, with some roasted chicken and diced fresh summer tomato thrown in…Mmmmm! But it can also be used as a topping for flat breads or in place of a pizza sauce (perhaps a simple pizza with some ricotta dolloped on top, then drizzled with a fine olive oil to finish). Mixing some into scrambled eggs kicks up your breakfast table; and pesto gives an added boost when tossed in with freshly steamed or sautéed vegetables such as green beans; or spread on corn on the cob in place of (or in addition to) butter. It can be mixed with mayonnaise and spread on sandwich bread. I’ve even topped grilled fish, such as salmon or branzini, with pesto.
It is not a difficult process to make pesto, but the ingredients can be a tad pricey, namely the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and pine nuts (though I found a great deal on these at Trader Joe’s). You will also need basil (of course!), garlic and a good olive oil. I have salt pictured, but really the cheese is salty enough that you generally do not need to add extra. 
BASIL PESTO
Ingredients:
- 4 cups basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- salt, to taste [if needed]
If using a processor, place all ingredients except the olive oil into the machine. Process until smooth, then drizzle in olive oil. Taste and add salt if needed.
I like to do mine by hand, but it takes a bit longer. I finely mince all of the ingredients [except for the olive oil] separately, then mix them together and run my knife through it all a few times. Next, I drizzle in the olive oil. Taste then add salt if needed.
It is now ready to use in your favorite recipe calling for pesto!!
Buon Appetito!
I love pesto! I’ve never tried to make my own though. Maybe I’ll give it a try.
If you use a food processor it goes together very quickly. You can also adjust the ingredients to your taste. For example, if you like less garlic, use only 1 clove. I’d love to hear how it goes if you try making it!!
Cindy, I love this piece! I’ve been working on a delicious pesto recipe involving walnuts, which you can use as a spread, sauce, or salad dressing. Love pesto! Thanks for being on one of my favorite subjects today!
So glad you like it!! Around Thanksgiving I made a ‘pesto’ using sage and walnuts in place of the basil and pine nuts. It was delicious spread on a baguette, topped with ricotta cheese and prosciutto (which I made crispy in the oven). I drizzled that with a little honey and sprinkled on some roasted pumpkin seeds…totally delicious! I had it at a restaurant in Philadelphia (I forget the place) and I think I did a decent job of re-creating it.