Making Rainbow Pesto - w/recipe

in #recipe6 years ago

Pesto is Super easy to make, but best made by hand. My kids have always called this recipe Rainbow Pesto, because we use regular basil, purple basil and lemon basil...but in the end it's still green :)

Pesto 1i.jpg

So we start with a good mixed pile of basil (some of whatever we have growing, but be sure to only use a small portion of lemon basil as it is very strong).

I am using an 8" marble mortar and pestle, one of my most used kitchen tools.

Pesto 1n.jpg

Next we peel 4-6 cloves of garlic

I always use a small garlic board, because there is nothing worse than fresh bread picking up garlic from the board. No matter how well you wash a board the garlic oils never really come out.

Pesto 1l.jpg

Other ingredients will be;

1/4 t sea salt

1/4 C Pine nuts

1 1/2 C grated Parmesan

Olive oil (qty is up to you, but plan on at least 1/4 - 1/2 C)

Pesto 1k.jpg

First we mash the garlic and salt into a rough paste...

Pesto 1j.jpg

Next add in the basil leaves and mash them up with the garlic, some at a time, until it looks like this...

Pesto 1h.jpg

Add in the pine nuts and mash until it looks like this...

Pesto 1f.jpg

Then add in the Parmesan and continue mashing until it looks like this...

Pesto 1e.jpg

Now we add in olive oil...just add some, mix, add in more, mix...until you have the consistency you like...and you are done!

Pesto 1d.jpg

We use pesto on pasta often, but it's great with fresh pita, crackers, added to sandwiches...etc.

Enjoy!

The mortar I use can be found here https://www.lehmans.com/product/marble-mortar-and-pestles/

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Are they ways to make pesto without a mortar?

Yes, you can make it in a food processor...it just tastes so much better in the mortar :)

Okay, mortar on the christmas wishlist it is :P