Pesto made easy!

Here's a breakdown of how to create a variety of Pesto:

There are 6 steps to making a great Pesto.

We just returned from California where we frequented a restaurant that specializes in Tartines.
A Tartine is a slice of bread, plain or toasted, with various Spreads, Vegetables , thinly sliced Meats or Salmon.

I've previously posted my personal best recipe for a Basil Pesto, I've included it at the end of this post. I've included another recipe for Mint Pistachio Pesto.

Here are 6 steps to creating amazing Pesto!

A Green Herb, Cheese, Roasted Nuts, Garlic, Oil, Salt = Pesto

You need a Mortar & Pestle or a Food Processor

1 . Make a Paste out of 1 clove of Garlic, in the Mortar or Processor.
2 . Add about a handful of some type of Roasted Nuts, ( Walnuts, Pine Nuts, Almonds, or a combination )
3 . Add a handful of Grated Cheese, Parmesan, Asiago, Pecorino, or a combination) Blend well .
4 . Add some Green Herbs to create a thick paste, Basil, Parsley, Mint, Arugula, or a combination. Blend to a thick paste. Scrape the sides.
5 . Drizzle in some Oil , a bit of Lemon Zest and a splash of Lemon or Lime Juice. Mis until desired consistency.
6 . Season to taste with Salt.

Variations:
To make a creamier version, add some Goat Cheese or Avocado. It makes a great Sandwich Spread.


 Homemade Mint - Pistachio Pesto:

1 C Mint Leaves
1/3 C Roasted Pistachios
1 Clove of Garlic
1/4 tsp Salt
1/4 C Olive Oil
Juice of 1/4 Lime

Prepare as stated above.

Homemade Basil Pesto:

2 C loosely packed Basil leaves

2 cloves of Garlic

1/3 C Pine Nuts

Salt and Pepper to taste

1/2 C grated Romano or Parmesan Cheese ( hold the salt if using Romano, it's a salty cheese)
Olive Oil

In a Food Processor:

Add Basil and Garlic

Puree until incorporated

Add Cheese and Pine Nuts and process to a thick paste

Gradually drizzle in Olive Oil until desired consistency

Season with Salt 

Enjoy!

Peace in the Kitchen!