Pesto Sauce with Nuts and Peanuts

Pesto Sauce Recipe with Nuts and Peanuts - A Flavorful Delight

If you're looking for a simple yet flavorful recipe, pesto sauce is the perfect choice! This sauce, originating from Italy, has gained popularity worldwide and has become a versatile ingredient in many dishes. From pasta to sandwiches or simple appetizers, pesto adds a touch of freshness and flavor to every meal. Here’s a recipe for pesto sauce with a personal twist, using nuts and peanuts, that will transform your meals into an unforgettable culinary experience.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Storage time: 30 minutes (for sterilizing jars)
Number of servings: Approximately 3 jars (250 ml each)

Ingredients

- 1 large bowl filled with fresh basil leaves (approx. 100 g)
- 80 g nuts (preferably lightly toasted)
- 40-50 g raw peanuts (lightly toasted)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground pepper to taste (you can use mixed pepper for extra flavor)
- 4-5 cloves of garlic
- 150 g finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 200-250 ml extra virgin olive oil

Preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the basil leaves thoroughly. Ideally, choose the freshest and most aromatic ones, preferably from local sources. After washing, remove the leaves from the stems, then let them drain in a colander. You can place them on a clean kitchen towel to dry completely.

2. Toasting the nuts and peanuts
In a dry skillet, lightly toast the nuts and peanuts until they become golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them, as the flavors can alter. This step is essential, as toasting intensifies the taste and texture of the ingredients.

3. Making the sauce
Instead of using a mortar, which can be laborious for larger quantities, I recommend using a food processor. Add the toasted nuts and peanuts to the processor bowl and chop them well. Then, add the garlic and basil leaves. Blend the ingredients until you obtain a smooth paste.

4. Adding the oil
With the processor running, gradually pour in the olive oil through the feed tube. This will help emulsify the sauce and achieve a fine texture. Continue blending until the sauce reaches the desired consistency. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a bit more oil.

5. Seasoning
Once you have achieved the desired consistency, stop the processor and add salt and pepper to taste. It’s important to taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings according to your preferences. Blend again for a few seconds to incorporate the ingredients.

6. Incorporating the Parmesan
Finally, add the grated Parmesan and blend until well combined. If the sauce seems too thick, don’t hesitate to add a little more olive oil.

7. Storing the sauce
To keep the pesto sauce for longer, sterilize 3 jars of 250 ml. Fill the jars with the prepared sauce, leaving a little space at the top. For even better preservation, you can add a thin layer of olive oil on top. Screw on the lids and store the jars in a cool, dry place.

Helpful tips

- Choose basil carefully! Fresh basil leaves are essential for a delicious pesto sauce. Always buy from trusted vendors or grow your own plants at home.
- Experiment with ingredients! Don’t hesitate to try different types of nuts (such as almonds or cashews) to achieve varied flavors. You can also substitute Parmesan with another type of cheese, depending on your preferences.
- Preserve the flavors! The olive oil added on top of the sauce will help maintain freshness and prevent oxidation.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This pesto sauce recipe is not only tasty but also healthy. Nuts and peanuts are excellent sources of healthy fats and proteins, while basil provides a significant amount of antioxidants and vitamins. A serving of pesto sauce (about 2 tablespoons) contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of oil and cheese used.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other types of greens? Absolutely! Pesto sauce can also be adapted with other herbs, such as parsley or mint.
- How can I use pesto sauce? It’s delicious with pasta, but you can also use it in sandwiches, as a dip for vegetables, or on pizza.
- Can it be frozen? Yes! Pesto sauce can be easily frozen. Spread it into ice cube trays, then transfer it to a freezer bag to keep it for longer.

Serving suggestions

For a quick and tasty lunch, mix pesto sauce with al dente pasta. You can add roasted cherry tomatoes, olives, or even grilled chicken to create a delicious meal. Additionally, pesto sauce pairs wonderfully with warm focaccia or as a topping for bruschetta.

Now that you have all the details, don’t hold back! Prepare this pesto sauce with nuts and peanuts and enjoy its unique flavors. I assure you that your family and friends will be impressed by the delight you’ve created. Bon appétit!