PARM-LESS PESTO RECIPE

PARM-LESS PESTO RECIPE

Why don’t you use parmesan?

Sometimes I just prefer dinner without any cheese – more for health reasons rather than for taste. I have found that pesto can be just as rich without the parmesan.

Do you ever add pine nuts?

Yes! If you choose to add pine nuts, simply dry roast them in the oven at 350 for 5 minutes or until slightly browned and a nutty aroma. You can also dry toast them in a pan. Just be careful, as they can burn quickly.

What is dry roasting?

The act of roasting something without any oil or seasonings.

INGREDIENTS:

1 Parsley Bunch

2 Handfuls of Basil

1-2 Garlic Cloves

½ Lemon, Juiced & Zest

¼ Cup Ice Water

½ Cup Olive Oil

Salt to Taste

Black Pepper or Crushed Red Pepper to Taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

Blend together everything except the olive oil and lemon juice. Slowly add in the olive oil and continue to blend. Add the lemon juice last. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I typically add quite a bit of salt and pepper.

Do not add additional raw garlic cloves to pesto if you want a garlic-y pesto. The raw garlic cloves will actually taste bitter. Instead, wrap up a head of garlic in foil; season generously with salt and olive oil. Roast at 400 for 30 minutes or until slightly brown and soft. Cool down and squeeze garlic out.