What doesn’t taste good with a little pesto? But switching things up a little can only make this classic even better.
Try our citrus basil with peanuts rather . It’ll be a sure-fire hit at dinner tonight. Or try our spiced basil with pecans and make your next bruschetta an over-the-top taste experience.
Here is a simple recipe:
Ingredients
2 cups Citrus Basil or Spiced Basil
Any variety of basil will do. Or add less basil by replace half the basil with 1 cup arugula, kale, or chopped zucchini. For even more of a twist, subsitute mint or parsely. For a punchier twist, pulse in a roasted red pepper, or half an avocado instead of half the basil.
1/2 cup Olive Oil
For a thicker, pasty pesto, add only 1/4 cup. Mix things up and try other kinds of oil like avocado or coconut oil
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
We prefer a parm/romano cheese blend.
6 cloves of Roasted Garlic
Place whole cloves (still in the paper) in the oven until soft and browned. For a punchier twist, add a couple of fresh garlic cloves in addition to the roasted ones.
1/2 cup Dry Roasted Peanuts or Slightly Toasted Pecans
Any kind of nut will works. PIne nuts are traditional. But we think the roasted peanuts pairs well with the citrus basil and toasted pecans works with spiced or cinnamon basil.
Salt & Pepper to taste
2 tablespoons of Lemon Juice
Cut back on lemon Juice if you are using citrus or lemon basil.
Directions
CITRUS BASIL PESTO
This version uses dry roasted peanuts. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. For a creamier version, add about a cup of heavy cream or half-in-half.
SPICED BASIL PESTO
This version uses slightly toasted pecans (place in oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes). Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. For a creamier version, add about cup of heavy cream or half-in-half.
Kalbas Farms 