When I first started eating home cooked meals more often, one of the biggest shocks was how expensive groceries can be. A jar of pesto isn’t cheap so I decided to make my own! If you’re tired of the same old costly store-bought pesto and want to elevate your cooking game, then this recipe is for you. This isn’t a traditional pesto sauce, but it’s delicious and incredibly easy to make. Plus, you can customize it to your liking by adding some nutrient-packed kale or other leafy greens. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to whip up this pesto sauce!
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Pesto Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups Olive Oil
- 15 oz of Basil
- 5 oz of Kale (optional)
- 1 1/4 cups Cashews
- 1/4 cup Pine Nuts
- 6 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 6 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 – 1 1/2 tbsp salt (depends on if your cashews are salted)
- 1 tbsp Maple Syrup
- 3 tbsp Parsley
- 1 tbsp Oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp Dijon Mustard
How to Make Pesto Sauce
First things first, wash your greens and measure out all your ingredients. Once you’ve got everything ready, it’s time to bring this pesto sauce to life.
Cut all the the steams off your basil, then add all the ingredients to a blender or food processor. Next, blend or process until you reach a smooth and creamy consistency. If you’re wondering, I personally prefer using a blender for this task.
Now, when it comes to storing this sauce, here’s a pro tip: Use Souper Cube Trays to freeze the pesto in convenient 1/2 cup serving sizes. This way, you’ll always have a stash of homemade pesto at the ready in the freezer, no matter when the craving hits! The sauce will last in the fridge for up to 4 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Health Benefits of Pesto
Pesto is more than just a delicious sauce – it’s a powerhouse of nutrients that can benefit your health in amazing ways. Let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of pesto.
Pesto is packed with antioxidants thanks to the basil, kale, and other herbs used in the recipe. Additionally, the healthy fats from the olive oil and nuts provide a boost of energy and can support your health health.
But the benefits don’t stop there. Basil, the star ingredient in pesto, is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a natural ally in supporting a healthy immune system. Kale, the optional addition, is a nutrient-dense superfood that’s rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as essential minerals like calcium and iron.
And let’s not forget about the gut-friendly benefits of pesto. The nuts in the recipe are excellent sources of prebiotics, which help to nourish the beneficial bacteria in your gut. This can lead to improved digestion, better nutrient absorption, and a stronger immune response.
So, not only is homemade pesto incredibly delicious, but it’s also a nutritional powerhouse that can support your overall health and wellbeing. Incorporating this versatile sauce into your meals is a simple yet impactful way to boost your intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
More Reasons to Love Pesto Sauce
Pesto is a versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes, from classic pasta to unexpected treats. Let’s explore some delicious ways to incorporate homemade pesto into your culinary repertoire.
One of the most classic ways to enjoy this sauce is tossed with freshly cooked pasta. Simply cook your favorite pasta, drain it, and then toss it with a few spoonfuls of your homemade pesto. The creamy, flavorful sauce coats the noodles perfectly, creating a truly satisfying meal. You can also use pesto as a topping for baked potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even grilled chicken or fish.
But pesto isn’t just for savory dishes – it can also add a delightful twist to sweet treats. Try using it as a filling for homemade ravioli or tortellini, or swirl it into yogurt or cottage cheese for a quick and healthy snack. You can even use pesto as a spread on toast or crackers for a fun and flavorful appetizer.
One of my personal favorite ways to enjoy pesto is in a grilled cheese sandwich. Simply spread a generous amount of pesto onto the bread before adding your favorite cheese and grilling until crispy and melty. The contrast of the creamy pesto and the gooey cheese is simply divine.
No matter how you choose to incorporate pesto into your cooking, one thing is certain: it’s a flavor-packed ingredient that can elevate all sorts of dishes. So, don’t be afraid to get creative and explore the endless possibilities of this versatile sauce.
Mastering the Art of Making the Sauce
While pesto may seem like a simple sauce, there are a few tricks and techniques that can help you take your homemade version to the next level. Let’s dive into the art of pesto-making and uncover some tips and tricks to ensure your sauce is always a hit.
When picking ingredients, quality is key! When it comes to the greens, opt for the freshest, most vibrant basil and kale (if using) you can find. The better the quality of your ingredients, the more robust and delicious your pesto will be.
Another important factor is the ratio of ingredients. While the recipe provided earlier is a great starting point, feel free to adjust the proportions to suit your personal taste preferences. For example, if you prefer a more pronounced nutty flavor, you can increase the amount of cashews or pine nuts. Conversely, if you want a brighter, more herbaceous pesto, you can bump up the amount of basil and herbs.
When blending or processing the ingredients, it’s important to achieve the right texture. You want a smooth, creamy consistency, but be careful not to over process, as that can result in a bitter or unpleasant taste. Pulse the ingredients in short bursts, scraping down the sides as needed, until you reach the desired smoothness.
By following these tips and techniques, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of homemade pesto. Experiment, have fun, and enjoy the delicious results of your culinary creativity.
For more easy recipe ideas, browse all of The Mediocre Cook Recipes! Print
Homemade Pesto Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 28 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Create delicious homemade pesto sauce with this simple recipe that will make you ditch store-bought options for good! Say goodbye to store-bought options and hello to the fresh taste of basil and nuts in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Olive Oil
- 15 oz of Basil
- 5 oz of Kale (optional)
- 1 1/4 cups Cashews
- 1/4 cup Pine Nuts
- 6 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 6 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 – 1 1/2 tbsp Salt (depends on if your cashews are salted)
- 1 tbsp Maple Syrup
- 3 tbsp Parsley
- 1 tbsp Oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp Dijon Mustard
Instructions
- Wash your greens.
- Cut the steams off your basil.
- Measure out all your other ingredients.
- Add all the ingredients to a blender or food processor. *
- Blend or process until you reach a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Add to your dish or serve as a dip.
Equipment
Notes
- You may need to add your greens in batches depending on the size of your blender and the amount of pesto you’re making
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months. I use Souper Cube trays to freeze the pesto in convenient 1/2 cup serving sizes.
- Individual serving size is 2 tbsp of sauce. So if you are making a dish that serves 4, you will use 1/2 cup. If you are using a dish that serves 8, you will use 1 cup and so on.
- Prep Time: 20
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blend
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
