The Veggie Journal

View Original

Pesto Sauce

From Northern Italy but loved across the world, this delightfully green sauce is so easy to make, versatile to use and divine to taste!


MAKES: 1 big bowl


INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup / 20 g fresh basil leaves

  • 1 cup / 20 g fresh baby spinach leaves

  • 1/2 cup / 10 g fresh parsley leaves

  • 1/2 cup / 30 g pine nuts or cashew nuts

  • 1/4 - 1/2 cup virgin olive oil

  • 2 tsp lemon juice

  • 2 cloves garlic

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1 green chilli


Method

  1. Wash all the greens well to remove dirt. Put them in a sieve to let all the water drain away from them.

  2. In a preheated oven, roast the pine nuts at 180°C for 10 minutes.

  3. With the help of half the olive oil, blend everything together in a food chopper except salt and lemon juice. (Do not add water. If needed, add more olive oil)

  4. Take the sauce out in a bowl and add salt and lemon juice. Mix well and top up with the rest of the olive oil.

  5. Refrigerate and use as needed. It lasts for 3 - 5 days. You can use this pesto for pesto pasta, bruschetta, pizzas, salads and moreā€¦


Helpful Tips

  • If using a blender, blend only until coarsely chopped.