Basil: A Beloved Herb and a Family Favorite
Basil… my son’s favorite herb from the garden. Yesterday, while my husband and I were in our garden, we both expressed our love for the scent of fresh basil. Its fresh, slightly sweet, and slightly peppery aroma has such a delightful fragrance.
To be honest, I plant an excessive amount of basil. We enjoy a lot of pesto pizza during the summer, which is our son's favorite lunch most days. I also freeze pesto throughout the summer, but it never seems to be sufficient to last through the winter. However, I believe we might have planted enough this year to get us through the fall and winter.
Making the Perfect Pesto
Ingredients:
2 cups of fresh basil leaves
2 garlic cloves
¼ cup of walnuts or pine nuts
½ cup of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) or olive oil
½ cup of grated parmesan cheese
Instructions:
In a food processor, add the walnuts or pine nuts with garlic cloves. Blend until smooth.
Next, add basil leaves to the food processor and blend until incorporated with the nut mixture.
Add the EVOO or olive oil and continue to blend.
Finally, add the grated parmesan cheese and blend until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Variation:
You can toast pine nuts in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the nuts evenly on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast in the oven until golden and fragrant, tossing once. Cook for 8-10 minutes. Cool completely before using.
Freezing Tips:
You can freeze pesto in a freezer zip lock bag. You can double or triple this recipe. If needed, you can always add additional oil or cheese when ready to use the frozen pesto once it is defrosted.
Adding Pesto to Your Meals
Pesto is incredibly versatile and can be added to a variety of dishes to elevate their flavor. Here are some creative ways to incorporate pesto into your meals:
1. Pesto Pizza
Spread pesto on a pizza crust as a base instead of traditional tomato sauce. Top with mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and your favorite vegetables or meats. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Pasta Dishes
Toss cooked pasta with a few spoonfuls of pesto for a quick and delicious meal. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables for extra protein and flavor.
3. Sandwiches and Wraps
Use pesto as a spread for sandwiches or wraps. It pairs wonderfully with turkey, chicken, or veggie fillings. Add a slice of fresh mozzarella and some roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean twist.
4. Salad Dressings
Mix pesto with a little extra olive oil and balsamic vinegar to create a flavorful salad dressing. Drizzle over mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and shaved parmesan for a simple yet delicious salad.
5. Pesto Chicken
Marinate chicken breasts in pesto for a few hours before grilling or baking. The basil and garlic flavors infuse the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful.
6. Breakfast Boost
Add a dollop of pesto to scrambled eggs or an omelette for a burst of flavor. It also works well drizzled over avocado toast.
7. Pesto Dip
Mix pesto with Greek yogurt or sour cream to create a creamy dip for vegetables, crackers, or breadsticks. It's a great appetizer for gatherings.
8. Soups and Stews
Stir a spoonful of pesto into minestrone soup, tomato soup, or vegetable stew just before serving. It adds a fresh, vibrant flavor that enhances the overall dish.
9. Grain Bowls
Drizzle pesto over quinoa or rice bowls filled with roasted vegetables, chickpeas, and feta cheese. It ties all the ingredients together with its aromatic flavors.
10. Stuffed Vegetables
Mix pesto with breadcrumbs and cheese to stuff mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Bake until the vegetables are tender and the stuffing is golden brown.
And there you have it—a simple yet delightful basil pesto recipe that's sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you're spreading it on pizza, tossing it with pasta, or using it as a dip, this versatile sauce brings a burst of fresh flavor to any dish. Give it a try and let us know how you incorporate pesto into your meals! Share your favorite uses or any creative twists in the comments below—we'd love to hear from you!
