Pesto from Liguria, Italy

Ingredients:

  • 100g basilico (basil)
  • 50g parmigiano
  • 30g pinoli (pine nuts)
  • 1/2 bicchiere d’olio d’oliva (1/2 cup olive oil – not extra virgin!)
  • 1 spicchio d’aglio (1 garlic clove)
  • Sale (salt)

Making those things turn into delicious Italian pesto:

Put all ingredients in a mixer and blend to a smooth cream.

Tricks and Tips:

  • Add about half the olive oil to start, once you see the pine nuts and garlic getting small, add the rest of the olive oil
  • Small leaves of basil are better – not bigger than about 2-3 inch leaves
  • Store in the fridge for about 1 week in a tupperware, but add a layer of EV olive oil on the top so the pesto doesn’t oxidize
  • Can store the same way in the freezer (with olive oil) for a long time
  • Serve creamy as is for bread or meat/fish
  • Add EV olive oil until smooth for pasta
  • Always cook with regular olive oil – not extra virgin
  • Always use EV olive oil for serving directly – for example after cooking over fish or over pasta