Basil season is among us and there's always a question of what to do with all of it?
One way to utilize the most out of your basil is by making pesto. It uses a lot of it at once which helps keep your plant well pruned!
What is Pesto?
Now if you aren't familiar with it, pesto is a kind of uncooked sauce originally from Italy. Traditionally made with:
Basil
Salt
Crushed garlic
Pine Nuts
Extra-virgin Olive Oil
Certain kinds of cheese such as Parmesan
Sidenote: It was also traditionally all chopped by hand and never blended. Oh, how times have changed.
What is Different Here?
The pesto below involves a little twist on the normal ingredients:
Instead of garlic cloves, I'm using garlic scapes from my garden (as this is scape season). If you only have garlic cloves, that works just fine.
Instead of pine nuts, I'm using pumpkin seeds because pine nuts are expensive in comparison. If you are looking for a #nutfreerecipe, this is a good option.
Fresh Basil Pesto
with Garlic Scapes and Pumpkin Seeds
Prep time: 5 mins Cook time: 5 mins Yield: 1 cup
INGREDIENTS
2 cups Fresh Basil Leaves
1/2 cup Parmesan-Reggiano Cheese, grated
1/3 cup Pumpkin Seeds
2 Garlic Scapes, chopped (substitute with 3 Garlic Cloves if no scapes)
1/3 cup of Olive Oil
1/4 tsp Salt, add more if desired
1/8 tsp Pepper, add more if desired
INSTRUCTIONS
1. In a food processor add: pumpkin seeds and basil, pulse 5-6 times. Add garlic scapes (or cloves) and cheese, pulse 5-6 times.
2. Scrape down dry ingredients with a spoon or spatula. Place the lid back on the food processor without the cap. On a low setting, add the olive oil slowly through the open cap. This will keep the pesto from separating.
3. Add salt and pepper to mix.
How to Store?
If you want to use it later in week. Store in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to a week.
If you want to portion it out for later use. Freeze in an ice-cube tray and place frozen cubes in a freezer bag for up to 6 months.
If you want to save it for a rainy day. Place pesto into small jars or plastic containers for up to 9-12 months.
What to Pair it with?
Add a spoon full to pasta, dollop on baked potato or pizza, even enjoy it with avocado and egg on toast.
If you make this recipe, I'd love to see it! Tag #jobinkitchengarden on Instagram or on Facebook and let me know!
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