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    Home » By Category » Chutneys & Condiments » Sauces

    Published: Sep 19, 2015 · Modified: Dec 26, 2019 by Usha Rao

    Basil Pesto from Italy

    For the last day of condiments for buffet on table, I made fresh tomato sauce. Later when I checked the condiments list, tomato sauce was not on the list and I had to make another condiment. I will post tomato sauce recipe tomorrow. Here is the tomato sauce recipe. I bought a bunch of basil to prepare tomato sauce. That required only few basil leaves and I had almost a bunch of basil that needed to be used up very soon. I made this pesto sauce few hours ago. I took very quick picture before the sunset as I would be very busy all day Saturday and might not have time to click any pictures.

    Pesto is a sauce that originated in Northern Italy, prepared with garlic, cheese, pine nuts and basil. I made my version of pesto using walnuts, green chili and basil. I did not use cheese here as it can always be added later when using the pesto. Pesto can used as a sauce for pasta and also as a spread for sandwiches.

    Basil pesto in a w white bowl.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 bunch Basil or 2 cups fresh Basil Leaves
    • ¼ cup Walnuts lightly toasted
    • 2 - 3 Cloves Garlic
    • 1 Green Chili
    • ¼ tsp. Salt
    • ¼ cup Olive Oil
    • ¼ - ⅓ cup Parmesan Cheese (I did not use it)

    Preparation:

    • Take all the ingredients in a food processor bowl and pulse it a few times, scraping edges, until basil and walnuts are coarsely ground.
    • Adjust salt to taste, transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. Additional oil can be poured on top if storing for a longer time.

    Note:

    • I used green chili here but traditionally pepper powder is used.
    • I used walnuts instead of pinenuts.
    • I did not add cheese as I wanted to add it later when preparing pasta or when using it as a spread.

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    1. Mireille Roc (@ChefMireille) says

      January 05, 2016 at 10:33 pm

      pesto is always one of my fave sauces - walnuts are cheaper so great substitute

      Reply
    2. Priya Srinivasan says

      October 01, 2015 at 12:01 pm

      Lovely green usha!!! I always make it with walnuts, pine nuts are a bomb to buy, would love to taste it with pine nuts someday!!!

      Reply
    3. Sneha datar says

      September 30, 2015 at 8:54 am

      My daughter's favorite .. loves pesto.

      Reply
    4. Suma Gandlur says

      September 29, 2015 at 6:55 pm

      I am surprised that how come tomato sauce is not a condiment. Actually I too made it and didn't post during the marathon.
      That pesto sounds flavorful.

      Reply
    5. Pavani says

      September 28, 2015 at 10:37 pm

      Pesto is such a flavorful sauce. Even my son loves it. Your version with walnuts looks great.

      Reply
    6. harini says

      September 26, 2015 at 8:09 pm

      The one time I tried making pesto with walnuts, my kids didn't like it. I must try it again. This looks very much doable.

      Reply
    7. srividhya says

      September 23, 2015 at 1:00 pm

      one of our favorite sauce for pastas. Great

      Reply
    8. Srivalli says

      September 22, 2015 at 1:10 am

      Pesto looks amazing Usha..btw tomato sauce is a condiment..why do you say it is not?

      Reply
    9. Priya says

      September 20, 2015 at 2:14 pm

      Pesto who will say no to this flavourful aromatic condiment, love it to the core.

      Reply
    10. Vaishali Sabnani says

      September 20, 2015 at 2:50 am

      One sauce that I simply can't resist..love it in pizzas too..super, well captured.

      Reply
    11. cookingwithsapana says

      September 19, 2015 at 3:51 pm

      Basil walnut pest looks tempting.I just need a bowl of spaghetti to finish it.Love your series.

      Reply
    12. Pavani says

      September 19, 2015 at 8:17 am

      I make pesto with walnuts too and somehow like it more than the pine nuts version. Your pesto looks vibrant.

      Reply
    13. Padma says

      September 19, 2015 at 5:29 am

      First what a beautiful picture, basil pesto is my all time favorite with pasta looks yummm..

      Reply

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