Name: Pesto Recipe- Bring vacation to the dinner table
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 garlic cloves, peeled; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 cups firmly packed fresh basil leaves, stems removed and rinsed in a salad spinner; ¼ cup pine nuts + 2 tablespoons for garnish; ½ cup Parmesan-Reggiano, grated; 1 16-oz box pasta –linguine, spaghetti, or rotini; 2 tablespoons salt; 1 cup hot pasta water; 2 tablespoons pine nuts, roasted

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Taste of the Italian Riviera

Do you have the travel bug but canceled or postponed your trip this summer? Bring vacation to your dinner table by adding the taste of the Italian Riviera through this pesto recipe. This post provides a pesto recipe and other suggestions to use this versatile sauce and bring the taste of Italy to your summer meals.

This pesto recipe can be used in many ways

Sauce on pasta – recipe below
Make extra pesto and place in ice cube tray and freeze for many uses
One tablespoon to salad dressing for a special kick
Add pesto to mayonnaise to create the best BLT sandwich spread
Spread on sliced tomatoes or bread
Add to cooked spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles for a flavorful side dish
Add to grilled vegetables – mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, peppers

Etymology

According to Merriam-Webster, pesto comes from the word pestare, to pound. It is traditionally made in a mortar and pestle and thus the name, but I prefer this pesto recipe that conveniently uses a food processor.

Making pesto in a food processor — Pesto made in a food processor

Pesto’s Regional Origin

Pesto comes from the region of Liguria in northwest Italy, which is often called the “Italian Riviera”. But above all, this region is famous for pesto and Cinque Terre; five, quaint villages along the coast: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Visitors can hike the Sentiero Azzurro trail and therefore experience each town and the sweeping sea vistas. The restaurants are famous for local, fresh seafood and pesto dishes.

Cinque Terre

Years ago, we began the six-mile hike. The trail winds through the beautiful green terraces and breathtaking sea views. We stopped for lunch in the third village and enjoyed pesto dishes and the local wine. Unfortunately, we decided it was time for a siesta rather than completing the hike. We returned by train to the hotel. However, I now have a reason to visit the famous region again to complete the hike and enjoy the wonderful food of Cinque Terre. If you are interested in traveling to the area, I recommend Rick Steves’ website.

I digressed with my travel memories. Let’s get back to the recipe. This easy pesto recipe sauce contains a mere six ingredients:

garlic
salt
extra virgin olive oil
fresh basil leaves
pine nuts
Parmesan-Reggiano

Pesto ingredients on a cutting board — Pesto ingredients are simple

It also freezes well.

Scoop pesto into ice cube trays and freeze

Frozen pesto in silicon ice cube trays — Place frozen pesto in a bag to store for future use

Secret Tip

Reserve one cup of the salted pasta water just before draining. This helps evenly spread the rich sauce throughout the pasta without diluting the flavor.

Tools needed to make pesto

Food Processor
Salad Spinner

If you can’t travel this summer, bring the tastes of your favorite destinations to the dinner table through recipes from the region.

Love to hear from you

What is your favorite way to use pesto? Please share them in the comments below! If you have your own tips on optimizing the kitchen, please share them in the comments below!

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