Pesto is one of those sauces that is just wonderful in the spring and summer months, when fresh basil is in plentiful supply at the supermarkets. I tend to buy the whole plant so I can pick leaves and add them to my food all summer long. But I hadn’t realized that to get the purest, most fragrant taste, I should use a mortar and pestle to make it.
In the video below, Food Wishes shares their recipe for pesto along with a demonstration of how to make it using the ancient crushing device.
To make pesto you’ll need:
– mortar and pestle
– 4 cloves of peeled garlic
– 1/4 tsp kosher salt
– bunch of fresh basil
– 3 tbsp pine nuts
– 1 1/2 cups grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (note: Pecorino Romano is what they often use in Italy, but it has a stronger taste)
– 1/2 cup mild extra virgin olive oil
You can adjust the ratios of the ingredients to your taste. Follow the demo and you’ll end up with a delicious pesto that can be spread on bread and used in pastas. Food Wishes does say the flavor could be “too intense” for some, especially if you are used to store-bought versions, but he encourages everyone to give it a try. You’ll be amazed at the difference.
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