Green Pesto (International Cuisine)

 Green Pesto (International Cuisine)

 

Green pesto, originating in Genoa, Italy, is a sauce crafted from fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. When combined, these ingredients yield a smooth and creamy sauce suitable for various recipes.

 
Basil, the predominant component of green pesto, bestows upon it a distinctive green color and fresh flavor. Widely utilized in Mediterranean cuisine, basil is recognized for its aromatic and slightly peppery taste. 

Garlic serves as another essential element, contributing a pungent and slightly spicy flavor that complements the basil. Typically minced or crushed, the garlic is incorporated into the other ingredients. 

Pine nuts, imparting a nutty essence, further enhance the flavor profile. Toasting the pine nuts before adding them to the sauce intensifies their flavor and aroma.

Parmesan cheese, finely grated, introduces a savory and slightly salty note to the sauce. Lastly, olive oil binds the ingredients and imbues the sauce with its smooth, creamy texture. Extra-virgin olive oil, favored for its fruity notes, is the preferred choice for green pesto. The delightful taste of freshly homemade green pesto is sure to be enjoyed, making it a recipe worth repeating.                                           

 Recipe:

 Ingredients:

Basil leaves washed and roughly chopped 1 bunch

 

Parsley washed and roughly chopped 1 bunch

 

Pine nuts 2-3 handfuls or 100g

 

Olive oil 1/2 cup

 

Hard cheese (sbrinz) 1.5 cups

 

Sea salt to taste

Method:

In a mixer, blend the pine nuts into a fine paste. Add the chopped basil and parsley with the stems (don't throw them away as they are very flavourful) and some sea salt. Blend again into a fine paste and add the cheese. Finally, add the olive oil gradually until you have a thick paste. 

 

Traditionally, the pesto is made with a pestle and mortar and pesto in Italian means to press/grind. Store the pesto in the fridge and enjoy as per your liking for up to two weeks. This is also a great way to use up any herbs that you may have lying around in the fridge.

Serving suggestion:

Enjoy this pesto with some freshly cooked pasta with freshly roasted pine nuts or some toasted artisanal bread with some burrata cheese, salt pepper and extra virgin olive oil.

 

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Nutritional Value Per 100 Grams of Green Pesto (Approximately):

Calories: 450-500 kcal

 Fat: 45-50 grams

Saturated Fat: 7-10 grams

Cholesterol: 5-10 milligrams

Sodium: 500-600 milligrams

Carbohydrates: 4-6 grams

Fiber: 1-2 grams

Sugars: 1-2 grams

Protein: 4-6 grams

 

 

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