Pesto sauce

Capers Pesto Sauce: A Quick and Tasty Recipe

Who would have thought that pasta could become such a delightful delicacy? In a world full of flavors and textures, sauces are what make the difference, and capers pesto sauce is definitely my favorite! This simple and quick recipe will turn every plate of pasta into an unforgettable culinary experience. Here’s how you can prepare this delicious sauce, which can be stored for weeks in the fridge.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

- 50 g capers (preferably brined capers)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 3 cups of fresh basil leaves (about 100 g)
- 1 cup of fresh parsley (about 30 g)
- 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese (or alternative cheese for a vegan option)
- ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste

Necessary utensils

- Non-stick saucepan (preferably Teflon)
- Blender or food processor
- Airtight jar for storage

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the capers

Start by sautéing the capers in a non-stick saucepan over medium heat. This step is not just to sauté them but also to enhance their flavor. Stir constantly for about 2-3 minutes until they become slightly crispy. This will add a pleasant texture to your sauce.

Step 2: Preparing the sauce

Once the capers have cooled slightly, transfer them to the blender. Add the peeled garlic, basil leaves, and parsley. The garlic adds a strong flavor but should not dominate. The fresh basil leaves provide that unmistakable and fresh taste.

Add the lemon juice, grated Parmesan, and olive oil. It’s important to use high-quality olive oil to achieve a rich and flavorful sauce.

Step 3: Blending

Blend all the ingredients at medium speed until you achieve a smooth paste. If you want a thinner sauce, you can add a little olive oil or water, but be careful not to make it too thin! Taste the sauce and add salt to your liking.

Step 4: Storing the sauce

To preserve the pesto sauce, transfer it to an airtight jar. Cover it with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent oxidation. The sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 weeks.

Serving

To prepare pasta with pesto sauce, measure a full tablespoon of sauce for each serving of pasta. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add your favorite pasta. Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it and transfer it to a pot with the pesto sauce.

Add a little pasta water to achieve a creamier consistency, mix well, and serve immediately, sprinkling a little grated Parmesan on top.

Serving suggestions

To add a special touch, try serving the pesto sauce with a slice of fresh bread, feta cheese, or even grilled vegetables. This sauce also pairs wonderfully with arugula and cherry tomato salad, offering a balanced meal full of flavors.

Possible variations

If you want to experiment, try replacing the capers with nuts or almonds for a crunchier version. You can also add fresh spinach or avocado for a creamier and more nutritious pesto sauce.

Nutritional benefits

This pesto sauce is rich in antioxidants due to the basil and parsley, and olive oil is an excellent source of healthy fats. The Parmesan adds protein and calcium, making this sauce a nutritious choice. Each serving has about 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of Parmesan and oil used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use dried capers?
We recommend using brined capers as they have a more intense flavor and a more pleasant texture.

2. Can I freeze pesto sauce?
Yes, pesto sauce can be frozen. Divide it into small portions and use ice cube trays for easy storage.

3. What pasta pairs best with pesto sauce?
Pesto sauce pairs excellently with long pasta like spaghetti or linguine, but also with short pasta like penne or fusilli.

In conclusion, capers pesto sauce is a delicious and versatile choice that will completely transform the way you perceive pasta. Experiment, adapt the recipe to your taste, and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!