‘The most beloved sauce in the World!’ Who said that? I did, you may quote me.
The pesto that most people know is Pesto alla Genovese or Battuto Genovese, or if you are a local, Genoese Pesto. It’s characteristic ingredients include garlic, pine nuts, salt, basil, pecorino, parmesan and olive oil. This list is actually the order in which you would add them to a mortar so they can be crushed by a pestle. The salt is both for flavor and also helps to crush the delicate basil leaves.
Pesto and pestle both come from the Latin and Italian root word pestare, which means to crush, hence the origination of the name of this amazing sauce.
The History of Pesto
The precursors to Pesto alla Genovese are Moretum and Agliata.
Moretum was from the ancient Roman empire and consisted of cheese, garlic and herbs.
Agliata was probably first introduced during the Middle Ages and was made of crushed walnuts and garlic.
We first see modern pesto documented in 1863 by Giovanni Battista Ratto in his publication, La Cuciniera Genovese, where he describes in detail how to make the pesto we know today in a mortar and pestle.
10 Ways To Use Pesto
Toss with pasta, especially any pasta with texture, this will help the pasta grab the slippery sauce.
There are many pesto-like sauces from around the World. Some were invented by Italians and Spaniards that were transplanted to other regions and developed pesto like sauces utilizing ingredients they could find locally like Pebre sauce or Romesco or Pistou.
There is also Caruso Sauce which has some Italian influence as the un-official dish of Uruguay.
Creative Pesto Ingredients With The Basic Pesto Recipe
The basic pesto recipe I use is a ratio of [1:8:2:2] with [nuts – greens – cheese – oil] + garlic & salt.
Be your own culinary artist by using this basic pesto recipe with your own mix of ingredients. Go wild!
NUTS
pine nuts
pistachios
walnuts
pecans
cashews
almonds
peanuts
GREENS
basil
carrot tops
dill
kale
spinach
beet greens
purslane
celery leaves
pea shoots
arugula
cilantro
lemon zest, not technically a ‘green’, but I DID say go WILD!
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to rate the recipe and comment below! Take a picture and tag us @FusionCraftiness #FusionCraftiness on Instagram for a chance to be featured in our Insta Stories:)
All about pesto. Make your own pesto creation using a simple ratio and select your ingredients.
Ingredients
1 part nuts
8 parts herbs and greens
2 parts cheese
2 parts oil
1-3 cloves of garlic, peeled
salt to taste, I start out with 1/2 tsp salt and add more if needed
Instructions
Choose your ingredients and place in a food processor. Pulse until a thick paste forms, add more oil if necessary to get the consistency you prefer.
Notes
You may use a blender instead of a food processor, scrape down the sides as needed.
You may also use a mortar and pestle. If so, start with the garlic and nuts and crush until a paste forms. Then add salt and basil, crushing until a paste forms again. Add the remaining ingredients.
I could literally slather pesto on everything! Love all of the options you've provided to keep it interesting!
Sandi
Monday 14th of August 2017
This is a fabulous informative post about pesto...I am now craving it :-)
Elaine @ Dishes Delish
Monday 14th of August 2017
Mmmm. Perfect recipe! I've never used a mortar and pestle to make my pesto, but you made me want to try! Beautiful photos!
Jagruti
Monday 14th of August 2017
Thanks for your useful pesto basics it's very helpful
Daniela
Monday 14th of August 2017
Pesto is one of my favorite sauces, and I love the endless ways in which you can customize it. Also, purslane pesto? I had never thought about this combination in particular, but it's a great idea!
Lisa Bryan
Monday 14th of August 2017
I could literally slather pesto on everything! Love all of the options you've provided to keep it interesting!
Sandi
Monday 14th of August 2017
This is a fabulous informative post about pesto...I am now craving it :-)
Elaine @ Dishes Delish
Monday 14th of August 2017
Mmmm. Perfect recipe! I've never used a mortar and pestle to make my pesto, but you made me want to try! Beautiful photos!
Jagruti
Monday 14th of August 2017
Thanks for your useful pesto basics it's very helpful
Daniela
Monday 14th of August 2017
Pesto is one of my favorite sauces, and I love the endless ways in which you can customize it. Also, purslane pesto? I had never thought about this combination in particular, but it's a great idea!