Thursday, April 29, 2010

Pesto...soul food

Pesto is one of the easiest things to make. It's quick and healthy. The main thing is to use fresh herbs. Years ago I tried making this with dried herbs... epic failure. This is my basic recipe.

Pesto
1 handful basil leaves (1 large package)
1/2 handful Italian parsley (1/2 bunch)
1/4 handful oregano leaves (small package)
2 cloves chopped garlic
~2-4 T extra virgin olive oil

Remove any large stems from herbs. Peel garlic. Roughly chop herbs and garlic. Toss into food processor with chopping blades and process. Add olive oil and chop/mix until pasty. Done. Put remaining pesto in refrigerator in a sealed jar.

To serve on pasta, put a T or 3 in a small bowl and add pasta cooking water prior to draining pasta. Pour pesto on pasta, add grated cheese, dinner ready :)

*Varying the quantities of basil, parsley, and oregano will change the flavor. Add grated cheese, sun dried tomatoes, or pine nuts to pesto for variations.

**Someone suggested putting some of the pesto in ice cube trays with a little water to save for later. I haven't tried this [yet].