Pesto
When it comes to making pesto, you can invest in a good processor if you like, but you can also make it using a pestle and mortar. If you have a blunt blade from your processor then don't chuck it, but keep it specially for making pesto or marinades where you need to bruise out the flavour, instead of chopping. You may think it's nice to toast the pine nuts until they're coloured, to give them a nutty taste, but the really good pestos I've tasted in Italy just have them very lightly toasted, to give a creaminess rather than a nuttiness. Pesto is normally made with green basil, but purple basil looks good if you can get hold of some. Another way, slightly more American, uses rocket instead of basil – it's fragrant and interesting with roasted meats, but I prefer this classic pesto recipe.
Estimated Nutrition (whole recipe, rough)
What these numbers assume — 8 portions →
| Ingredient | Portion assumed | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Pine Nut | 1 oz (28g) | 191 |
| Olive Oil | 1 tbsp (14g) | 119 |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1 oz (28g) | 110 |
| Lemon | juice of 1 lemon (48ml) | 12 |
| Black Pepper | 1 tsp ground (2.3g) | 6 |
| Garlic | 1 clove (3g) | 4 |
| Basil | 5 leaves fresh (2.5g) | 1 |
| Salt | 1 tsp (6g) | 0 |
Totals for the whole recipe, adding one typical portion per ingredient — listed above. Quantities in the recipe are not counted, so this is a rough guide only — not suitable for medical or dietary planning.
Ingredients
- ½ clove garlic, chopped
- sea salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 3 good handfuls fresh basil, leaves picked and chopped
- 1 handful pine nuts, very lightly toasted
- 1 good handful Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small squeeze lemon juice, optional