May 19, 2011

Pesto

Making Pesto was originally the reason why I wanted a food processor. I got one for Christmas and have used it for everything but pesto.

Homemade Pesto is on a whole other level than store bought. Fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and olive oil. So simple and loads of flavor. After making this Pesto I've been bit by the gardening bug and want to grow basil now and lots of it in order to make large batches of it to freeze.

For a "Meatless Monday" I tossed the Pesto with whole grain penne and a side of Crispy Carrot Fries. Mr. Sideline Chef requested the leftover pasta for his lunch tomorrow for a cold pasta salad.

Once you make your own Pesto you won't go back to store bought.

Pesto
Makes 24 Servings (Serving size = 2 tbsp)

Stars of the Show:
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts
  • 6 cups packed fresh basil
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
And Action:

Toast the pine nuts in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Stir often for 3-4 minutes.

Combine the pine nuts, basil, garlic, cheese, salt, and pepper in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Pulse until coarsely chopped. With the machine running, add the oil through the feed tube to blend into a rough paste.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Nutritional Information Per Serving:
Calories: 71
Protein: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 1 g
Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Cholesterol: 1 mg
Sodium: 123 mg
Fiber: 1 g



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8 comments:

Jeanette said...

My kids love pesto, on pasta, grilled chicken, veggies, or on just about anything!

Chelle B said...

Jeanette - This was so good I wanted to lick the food processor clean, haha! It is so versatile.

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

Oh, yeah! You can't beat homemade pesto! I'm hoping to have a huge basil crop, too...it's actually something I can grow (I usually have a black thumb!).

Chelle B said...

Lizzy - I wish I had a green thumb. I can't keep any plant alive. I will try an herb garden someday.

Sukaina said...

I love making homemade pesto as well. Never tried the store bought stuff actually. My prefernce is red pesto over green though. And I knwo what you mean about wanting your own herb garden!

Chelle B said...

Sukaina - I like the sundried tomato pesto as well. That is another one I'd love to try making. Yummy! Thanks for the reminder.

Lisa said...

I wouldn't mind growing some basil myself especially if I could use it to make your yummy looking pesto.

Chelle B said...

Lisa - Thank you for that compliment. I am pleasantly surprised with every recipe so far from the Flat Belly Diet! Cookbook.

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