How to Make Pesto

Pesto is a mixture of an herb, olive oil, and nuts, usually flavored with cheese and garlic.http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=pesto The most common type of pesto is made with basil.http://www.relishmag.com/recipes/view/32073/linguine-cilantro-pesto.html Pesto Genovese is a pesto that is made from basil and pine nuts, and is commonly used as a sauce for pasta. Although classic pesto is traditionally made with a mortar and pestle, a food processor is quicker, and produces a good result.http://www.initaly.com/regions/liguria/sims.htm

Pesto can be added to a number of different dishes such as pasta, soup, fish and appetizers. It is sometimes used as a large part of the dish like in pasta and pesto dishes or as a garnish as with soups. Pesto is sometimes used in unexpected ways such as adding it to may for a sandwich spread.http://www.freezehappy.com/2008/10/15-uses-for-pesto.html

The best pesto is made with the best cheese. If making a classic pesto genovese, try to use imported parmigiano-reggiano cheese if available. If you can't find it, use a freshly grated domestic Parmesan. Do not use the pre-grated Parmesan in the green cylinder as the results will be inferior.http://www.helpwithcooking.com/sauces/pesto-sauce.html

These ingredients will need to be assembled to begin making Basil Pesto.

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano or Romano cheese
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
• 3 medium sized garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to tastehttp://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/fresh_basil_pesto/

1. Basil should be combined with pine nuts in a food processor. The two ingredients should be pulsed together a few times. If you are using whole walnuts as an alternative to pine nuts, they should be pulsed a few times before adding the basil.
2. After adding garlic to the mixture, pulse a few more times.
3. The olive oil should be added to the food processor in a constant stream while the food processor is on. You can stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the processor. When this mixture is blended, the grated cheese can be added and the ingredients pulsed again until fully blended.
4. Salt and pepper can be added to taste.http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/fresh_basil_pesto/

1. When using pesto to sauce pasta, save some of the pasta cooking water and mix it in with the pesto before mixing the pesto on the pasta. The above recipe will sauce 1- 2 pounds of pasta.http://www.tasteofbeirut.com/2009/06/oregano-pesto-sauce/
2. Add some new potatoes and cooked green beans to fettuccine before mixing with the pesto.http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Fettucine-with-Pesto-Green-Beans-and-Potatoes-103122
3. Add ricotta to the pesto before mixing with the pasta.http://www.mnn.com/food/healthy-eating-recipes/stories/quick-meal-pan-fried-pasta-with-pesto-and-ricotta
4. Spread pesto on slices of Italian bread, and sprinkle with cheese. Broil until bubbly to create a crostini.http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Pesto-Crostini