What Is Pesto?
Pesto can be a lifesaver for busy people committed to healthy eating. It can be a focal point for an endless amount of meals and appeals to almost every palate. The information below can be a great resource for learning all about pesto and its many uses.
Definition
Pesto is a type of sauce that can be used on pasta, fish or chicken. Although everyone makes their pesto sauce with slight variations, it is generally agreed that the main component is basil. The basil is often mixed with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and either olive oil or butter.
Making Pesto
Put 3 cups of chopped fresh basil leaves, four cloves of chopped garlic, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup extra virgin olive oil into a food processor. Mix it to the desired consistency and then either store in the fridge for later use, put the sauce in a pan to simmer for an upcoming meal, or just use it at room temperature. This quick recipe makes approximately four servings. Please note that the cheese can be omitted for those who have dietary restrictions.
Variations
Pesto often contains nuts, but it does not have to. Pine nuts make an excellent garnish over a bowl of pasta with pesto sauce. Walnuts can be added during the mixing stage so that the nuts are ground into the sauce. A word of advice to anyone who chooses pesto at a restaurant and is allergic to nuts--please make sure that before ordering that the recipe the chef uses does not contain nuts. Also, many people substitute a little of the olive oil for butter. Using some butter gives the pesto a richer taste, but it also adds some fat to the meal. The healthier version usually contains only olive oil and tastes great without butter. Some people like their pesto with a few dashes of salt. Keep in mind that sea salt is generally healthier than table salt.
Pre-packaged Versus Homemade
Pesto really does not take very long to make, but sometimes it is easier just to buy a pre-made package. There are two options, which are the ready-to-eat version that can be found in the refrigerated section or the dry seasoning packet found in the pasta section. These can be just as good as homemade, but it is important to check the ingredients to avoid preservatives and check the sodium content. Unfortunately, the pre-packaged pesto can often have more sodium than the consumer would like. Another problem that pertains to the dry seasoning packet is that the instructions will sometimes require copious amounts of butter.
Other Uses for Pesto
The use of pesto sauce is not limited to chicken, fish and pasta. It can be used in place of mayonnaise or mustard on a sandwich. It can be used on pizzas in place of tomato sauce. It can be mixed with some goat cheese and placed on water crackers for a delicious snack. It can also be used on breakfast sandwiches or mixed with cream cheese to make a pesto schmear for bagels. Lastly, extra olive oil can be added to thin out the pesto and make a great salad dressing.
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