Kitchen Fundamentals: Basil Pesto
Overview
The team at Tasty Vines would like to introduce the Kitchen Fundamentals series. The Kitchen Fundamentals series is a set of recipes that focuses on teaching a few simple tips and tricks to elevate anyone’s cooking. Whether you’re a master in the kitchen or just starting out, they’re are made for all. Some of you might already have your own favourite recipes - thats ok! A small tweak could elevate your dish that much further. We look forward to learning with you.
Now getting down to business - stop buying that store bought pesto! I mean it. Sometimes, a little more effort can go a long way in life. Putting in that extra care usually gets rewarded (…although not always, but you can talk to your therapist about that on Tuesday). For now, I’m talking about a beautiful little green sauce. Have you two met? Oh, you’re well acquainted you say? Great! Then I wont describe to you what pesto tastes like.
What I will say is this - do it from scratch and I promise you’ll love it. Don’t have time? Luckily, its 5 ingredients and it takes 5 minutes.
I would recommend putting this on anything you’re heart desires. Try it, taste it! Use your cook instincts. Its not just for pasta…although they are a match made in heaven. Use it with fish, vegetables, chicken, grilled meats, grilled shrimp, etc.
Mare Di Sirena Pinot Grigio
Wine Pairing
The delicacy of a basil pesto really requires a more delicate wine to partner with it. A pinot Grigio is perfect for this, as it will support the dish with bright citrus and fruit flavours, but never overwhelm the delicacy of the pesto. A perfect example can be found here. A fantastic Pinot Grigio that has fantastic flavour for an even better price point.
Ingredients (Makes A Mason Jar)
1/3 cup of pine nuts
1 cup of grated Parmesan (the real stuff)
2 garlic cloves, peeled
4-6 cups of basil (I dont know, a bunch. As much as you got).
0.75 cup of extra virgin olive oil (the real stuff - the GOOD stuff).
Steps
Toast Your Nuts. Heat a pan up to medium heat, add your 1/3 cup of pine nuts and toast for 5 - 8 minutes or until gold brown. Remove from heat and let cool
Make Pesto - Combine 2-3 cups basil, 1 garlic clove, half of 1/3 toasted pine nuts, 0.5 cups of Parmesan, and half of 0.75 cup of extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of salt into a food processor (mini-blender). Pulse until finely ground. At this point, either a) remove the sauce or b) add remaining ingredients. You might have to do this in two stages. Repeat pulse until finely ground.
