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.
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.
This day in 2014: Qatar – Qahwa Helw ~ Flavored Coffee
Padma says
First what a beautiful picture, basil pesto is my all time favorite with pasta looks yummm..
Pavani says
I make pesto with walnuts too and somehow like it more than the pine nuts version. Your pesto looks vibrant.
cookingwithsapana says
Basil walnut pest looks tempting.I just need a bowl of spaghetti to finish it.Love your series.
Vaishali Sabnani says
One sauce that I simply can’t resist..love it in pizzas too..super, well captured.
Priya says
Pesto who will say no to this flavourful aromatic condiment, love it to the core.
Srivalli says
Pesto looks amazing Usha..btw tomato sauce is a condiment..why do you say it is not?
srividhya says
one of our favorite sauce for pastas. Great
harini says
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.
Pavani says
Pesto is such a flavorful sauce. Even my son loves it. Your version with walnuts looks great.
Suma Gandlur says
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.
Sneha datar says
My daughter’s favorite .. loves pesto.
Priya Srinivasan says
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!!!
Mireille Roc (@ChefMireille) says
pesto is always one of my fave sauces – walnuts are cheaper so great substitute