Discover 7 delicious and original pesto recipes!
Pesto is a traditional Italian sauce that's easy to prepare and can enhance any dish. While the famous pesto alla genovese (green pesto) is a must, there are many other variations that are just as tasty. Here's a selection of pesto recipes for you to try, to add a creative touch to your dishes! :-)
1. Wild garlic pesto: Fragrant and super-tasty!
Wild garlic is a wild plant with a subtle, delicate taste, similar to that of traditional garlic, but with a unique sweetness. This pesto is a real explosion of freshness. Mix wild garlic, pine nuts, parmesan and olive oil to create a vibrant sauce. Perfect with pasta or grilled vegetables! :-)
2. Parsley and peanut pesto: An explosion of flavours
This bold variation replaces basil with parsley and pine nuts with peanuts. The parsley, often underestimated, adds an incredible freshness, while the peanuts offer a crunchy touch and a slightly toasted flavor. This pesto is the perfect change from the classic, and goes wonderfully with pasta or as a spread on toast!
3. Pistachio pesto: The easy and tasty sauce
Pistachio pesto is an ultraaa gourmet alternative! Use shelled pistachios, Parmesan, garlic and olive oil to create a creamy, fragrant sauce. This pesto is perfect for pasta, salads, or even as an accompaniment to grilled fish. The sweetness of the pistachios adds a touch of originality that makes all the difference:-)
4. Homemade green pesto - Pesto alla genovese
The classic! Originating in Genoa, this green pesto is the best known and most widely consumed. It's made with fresh basil, pine nuts, parmesan, garlic and olive oil. Quick and easy to make, this pesto is ideal as an accompaniment to pasta, or to spice up a soup or sandwich.
Tip: choose very fresh basil for an explosion of flavours!
5. Red pesto sauce: For tomato lovers
Also known as pesto rosso, this pesto uses sun-dried tomatoes instead of basil, for a richer, more intense sauce. Mix sundried tomatoes with pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan and a little olive oil to create a dense, flavorful sauce. This pesto is perfect with gnocchi, grilled meats or roasted vegetable dishes!
6. Calabrian-style pesto: A taste of southern Italy
Originating in the Calabria region, this pesto is distinguished by the use of roasted red peppers, which add a spicy, smoky sweetness. Calabrian-style pesto is an excellent choice for creamy pasta, with the addition of ricotta :-)
7. Zucchini pesto: The quick, no-bake sauce
Looking for a fresh, light pesto? Try zucchini pesto! It's made without cooking, simply by blending raw zucchini with basil, pine nuts, garlic and olive oil. Its light texture and delicate flavor make this pesto an ideal sauce to accompany pasta, or as a base for a toast!
What about you?
Which one appeals to you most? Tell us in the comments! :)
