Pesto Sauce
I like to serve the pesto over butter gnocchi with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Gnocchi are light little Italian potato dumplings, which are available in Italian grocery stores and cook up in mere minutes. The pesto is also delicious tossed with penne or other types of pasta.
—Sue A. Jurack4 ServingsPrep/Total Time: 15 min.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup loosely packed basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts or sunflower kernels
- 1 garlic clove, peeled
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Place the first five ingredients in a small food processor; pulse
- until chopped. Continue processing while gradually adding oil in a
- steady stream. Add cheese; pulse just until blended. Cover and
- freeze for up to 3 months. Yield: 1/2 cup.
Editor's Note: When freezing the pesto, leave about 3/4 inch in the top of the container, then cover the top with a thin layer of olive oil, so the pesto doesn't brown during freezing.
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons equals 217 calories, 22 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 5 mg cholesterol, 420 mg sodium, 1 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 4 g protein.
Wine: Light-Bodied White Wine: Enjoy this recipe with a light-bodied white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.