How to Make and Use Homemade Pesto

Use Basil to Create Pizza, Pasta, and Bruchetta

Jan 6, 2009 Deborah Harding

Basil is a very flavorful herb that is used to make Pesto. Make a pot of pesto and use it to make many different recipes that will get your taste buds jumping.

Basil is a wonderful culinary herb used to spice up recipes. Basil has a strong flavor somewhat like licorice yet many people who do not like the flavor of licorice do like the flavor of basil. Basil is used in Mediterranean recipes and one of the most famous is Pesto.

Pesto is truly easy to make. You can make it in a blender or a food processor; one or the other is necessary. Pesto is very versatile as well. Below is a recipe for Pesto itself, then three ways to use it.

Fresh Pesto

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, washed and packed
• ¼ cup pine nuts or if they are too expensive try almonds
• 2 large cloves or 4 small cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil (you may need a little more or a little less)
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan or Romano Cheese (not the stuff in the can)
• Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.

Directions:

1. Place the basil and pine nuts or almonds in the food processor and pulse a few times.
2. Add the garlic and pulse a few more times.
3. Slowly add olive oil in a constant stream while processor is going. You should get a smooth creamy consistency.
4. Scrape down sides of processor and add grated cheese pulsing until well blended.
5. Add salt and pepper and give a final pulse or two to mix in.
6. This makes about 1 cup of pesto. Store in refrigerator.

Pesto Bruschetta

This is a great appetizer to serve with an Italian meal or just by itself with a little Italian Wedding Soup.

Ingredients:

• 1 Baguette sliced in about 16 – ½ inch thick slices.
• Olive oil
• Pesto
• 1 can diced tomatoes, drained well
• Parmesan Cheese

Directions:

1. Brush each slice with a little olive oil and place olive oil side up on cookie sheet sprayed with non stick spray.
2. Put under broiler until lightly toasted.
3. Leave slices on cookie sheet and spread with a little more olive oil and enough pesto to make the slice look green. If you like pesto spread it on a little thicker.
4. Place some of the drained diced tomatoes on top or leave plain.
5. Sprinkle with a little Parmesan Cheese and place under the broiler for just a few more minutes or until tomatoes are warm.
6. Serve warm.

Pesto Pizza

This is a family favorite. You can add many different things as toppings such as sun dried tomatoes, chicken, onions, basil leaves, sausage, etc.Ingredients:

• 1 Pre-made and cooked Pizza crust
• Olive Oil
• Pesto
• Pine nuts
• Parmesan Cheese

Directions:

1. Place pizza crust on a pizza stone, pizza pan or cookie sheet.
2. Pour enough olive oil on top to spread with fingers to lightly oil the entire top.
3. Spread about 2 to 4 tablespoons pesto over olive oil.
4. Sprinkle on some pine nuts, any other toppers you may desire, and Parmesan Cheese.
5. Bake in a preheated 450 degree oven for about 15 minutes or until brown and steamy.
6. Cut and serve.

Pesto Pasta

You can add some chicken breast that has been fried in butter or margarine and cut in strips or just leave it plain.Ingredients:

• Pasta, any type you would like cooked (1 package)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 – 8 ounce container heavy cream
• ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese
• 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh pesto

Directions:

1. Cook Pasta per package directions and drain.
2. In a large skillet melt butter.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan and whisk constantly until sauce thickens.
4. Add the pesto and warm through.
5. Pour over pasta and serve immediately.

Grow your own basil to make pesto and grow a lot because you will want to use it all up or pick up fresh basil leaves at the grocery store. You, your family, and guests will love the taste of pesto in the above recipes.

The copyright of the article How to Make and Use Homemade Pesto in Herbs & Spices is owned by Deborah Harding. Permission to republish How to Make and Use Homemade Pesto in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Green pesto pizza