Are you bored with the same old sauces and dips? Do you want to add some freshness and flavor to your meals? Then you should try basil pesto. This versatile sauce is easy to whip up at home with just a handful of ingredients, and it can transform any dish from bland to brilliant. Plus, it has some surprising health benefits that you may not be aware of. Read on to find out how to make and enjoy a classic basil pesto, and why it’s good for you.
What is basil pesto? 🌿
Basil pesto is a traditional Italian sauce that originated in Genoa, the capital of Liguria. The word “pesto” means “to pound or crush” in Italian. That’s because the original way of making pesto was by using a mortar and pestle to grind together fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, salt, olive oil, and aged cheese. The result was a thick, green paste that had a rich and aromatic flavor.
Nowadays, most people use a food processor or a blender to make pesto, which saves time and effort. But the basic ingredients and method remain the same. You simply combine all the ingredients in the machine and pulse until you get a smooth sauce. You can adjust the amount of oil, salt, and cheese to your liking, and also experiment with different herbs, nuts, and cheeses.
How to use basil pesto? 🍝
Basil pesto is a versatile sauce that can be used in many ways. Here are some of the most common ones:
— As a pasta sauce. This is probably the most popular way to enjoy pesto. Just cook your favorite pasta according to the package directions, then toss it with some pesto and some reserved pasta water to thin it out. You can also add some cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables for extra protein and flavor. Sprinkle some more cheese on top if you want.
— As a pizza sauce. If you’re tired of tomato sauce, try using pesto instead. Spread some pesto over your pizza dough or crust, then add your favorite toppings and cheese. Bake as usual and enjoy a delicious pizza with a twist.
— As a sandwich spread. Pesto can add some zing to your sandwiches or wraps. Just spread some pesto over your bread or tortilla, then layer with sliced meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato, or whatever you like. You can also make a grilled cheese sandwich with pesto for a gooey treat.
— As a salad dressing. Pesto can also dress up your salads with its bright color and flavor. Just whisk some pesto with some lemon juice or vinegar and some water to thin it out. Drizzle over your salad greens and toss well. You can also add some nuts, cheese, or fruit for more texture and taste.
— As a dip or spread. Pesto can also be used as a dip or spread for crackers, breadsticks, chips, or veggies. Just serve it as it is, or mix it with some cream cheese or yogurt for a creamier consistency.
Why is basil pesto good for you? 🥗
Basil pesto is not only tasty but also healthy. It contains several ingredients that have antioxidant properties, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause inflammation, aging, and chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
Some of the ingredients in a pesto that has antioxidant effects are:
Basil
Basil is one of the most popular herbs in the world and for good reason. It has a wonderful flavor and aroma, and it also has many health benefits. Basil contains flavonoids, which are plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. Basil also contains essential oils that have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Can help fight infections, boost immunity, lower blood pressure, improve digestion, and reduce stress.
Garlic
Garlic is another powerful herb that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Garlic contains allicin, which is a sulphur compound that gives garlic its pungent smell and taste. Alicia has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic effects. Garlic can help prevent infections, lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar, enhance blood circulation, and detoxify the body.
Pine nuts
Pine nuts are the edible seeds of pine trees, and they are rich in healthy fats, protein, and minerals. Pine nuts contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease . The nuts also contain vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc, which are important for skin health, nerve function, and the immune system.
Olive oil
Olive oil is one of the main components of the Mediterranean diet, which is considered one of the healthiest diets in the world. Olive oil contains mostly monounsaturated fatty acids, which can help lower cholesterol levels and prevent inflammation. It also contains phenolic compounds, which are antioxidants that can protect against oxidative stress and cellular damage.
Cheese
Cheese is a dairy product that is made from milk, and it provides protein, calcium, and other nutrients. Cheese contains casein, which is a type of protein that can help build and repair muscles. The dairy product also contains calcium, which is essential for bone health and teeth strength. The cheese also contains vitamins A, B12, phosphorus, and zinc, which are vital for seeing, digesting, producing energy, and treating injuries.
As you can see, basil pesto is a sauce that is packed with nutrients and benefits. However, it is also high in calories and fat, so you should enjoy it in moderation. A tablespoon of pesto has about 92 calories and 9.5 grams of fat, so you should limit your intake to no more than 2 tablespoons per day. You should also watch out for the sodium content, as pesto can be quite salty. A tablespoon of pesto has about 158 milligrams of sodium, which is about 7% of the recommended daily intake. You can reduce the sodium by using less salt or cheese in your pesto, or by choosing low-sodium varieties.
Final Thoughts 🎉
Basil pesto is a delicious sauce that can add flavor and nutrition to your meals. It is easy to make at home with a food processor or a blender, and you can use it in many ways. Basil pesto contains ingredients that have antioxidant properties, which can help protect your health and prevent diseases. However, you should also be mindful of the calories, fat, and sodium in pesto, and enjoy it in moderation. Basil pesto is a great way to enjoy the taste of summer all year round. Try making some today and see how it can spice up your dishes. Bon appétit!
Some of our recipes that are using pesto
Steps
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1
Done
5 min
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Toast the pine nutsIn a small skillet over low heat, toast the pine nuts until golden and fragrant, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes. Watch them carefully as they can burn easily. Transfer them to a plate and let them cool slightly. |
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2
Done
5 min
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Process the pesto ingredientsIn a food processor, combine the toasted pine nuts, basil, Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano cheese, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Pulse until coarsely chopped, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Then process until smo |
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3
Done
2 min
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Transfer the pesto to a jar or a bowlSpoon the pesto into a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid or a bowl with plastic wrap. If not using right away, press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pesto to prevent browning. |
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4
Done
3 min
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Enjoy your pestoYou can use your pesto as a sauce for pasta, pizza, sandwiches, salads, or roasted vegetables. To use it for pasta, cook your favorite pasta according to the package directions, then toss it with some of the pesto and some reserved pasta water to thin it out. You can also add some cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables for extra protein and flavor. Sprinkle some more cheese on top if desired |
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I’m blown away by how tasty this recipe is.