Homemade Pesto

What is Pesto?

Originating from the Genoa region of Italy, pesto has been an iconic Italian flavor since the 16th century. It traditionally consists of basil, pine nuts, salt, parmesan cheese, and garlic.

Even thought basil the is traditional pesto base, people have been making it with seasonal veg form their backyards and what would otherwise be food waste. Some popular substitutes include kale, spinach, and even carrot tops!

Continuing in that vein, even though pine nuts would be the nut of choice, they’re very expensive. Because of this, pine nuts are often subbed out for walnuts or pistachios.

What’s It Used For?

Pesto is an incredibly versatile, being used as anything from a condiment to a sauce. Some of these uses include:

• Charcuterie

• On toast

• Pasta Dishes

• Quiche

• Pizza

• Bread Filling

• Sandwiches

• Salads

Is It Healthy?

Pesto is filled with a lot of great ingredients that your body loves, no matter the variation you choose for your recipe. Generally speaking, however, pesto contains:

• Basil

  • Great source of Vitamin K and antioxidants

• Parmesan

  • Good in moderation, it is a low-lactose cheese that’s also calcium-rich

• Olive Oil

  • Full of healthy fats and antioxidants

• Pine Nuts

  • Full of Vitamin E, protein, iron, and magnesium

• Garlic

  • Manganese, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, and fiber

• Kale (our recipe)

  • Great source of iron, fiber, antioxidants, calcium, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and other nutrients

The short answer is: yes, pesto is healthy

Homemade Pesto

Simone Peironnet | 4/23/2021

• prep time: 10
  

• cook time: 0
  

• total time: 10 minutes

Servings: 12oz or 1.5 Cups

Ingredients:

• 1 Bunch Basil, de-stemmed
  

• 1 Small Bunch Kale, rinsed and roughly chopped
  

• 1/4 Cup Walnuts or Pine Nuts
  

• 1/2 Cup Olive Oil
  

• 5 Cloves Garlic, peeled
  

• 4oz Parmesean Cheese
  

• 1 Lemon, juiced
  

• Pinch of Salt & Pepper
  

• Optional 1 Tsp Walnut Oil
  

• 2 Tbsp Water, helps with blending
  
  

Special Equipment: Blender, Sealable Jar

Instructions:

1. In your blender, combine all ingredients except water.
   
   
2. Pulse until smooth, making sure to watch your blender so that it doesn't burn out. You may have to stop and start several times. If it needs thinning after well combined, add your water.
   
   
3. Store in a a sealable jar, like a Mason Jar. Store in your fridge up to 2 weeks and enjoy!
   
   

Stumped on how to use this? Try these recipes!