Unimeal

Pesto

🍳 15 min

🔥 751 cal

✍️ by Taisiia Dobrozorova

0

0 votes

Pesto

40 g

Proteins

11 g

Carbs

62 g

Fats

Servings

Originally from Genoa (Italy), pesto has its name from the Italian word "pestare." It means "to pound or crush." For hundreds of years, this sauce was made by pounding the ingredients in a mortar and pestle. It dates back to Roman times when Genoans would crush walnuts with garlic and herbs.

The most widespread pesto variety is now cooked by "crushing" basil, garlic, nuts, olive oil, and some hard cheese in a food processor or blender. Using a mortar and pestle is fun, but the modern way is much easier.

The sauce is also valuable because of its nutritional value. Pesto isn't generally consumed in immense amounts. But it contains 33.1 milligrams of Calcium, 36.8 milligrams of Phosphorus, 31.8 milligrams of Potassium, and 9.76 milligrams of Magnesium. Such a micronutrients combination forms a general picture of the following health benefits:

  • Has antioxidant properties
  • Has cardiovascular benefits
  • Lowers cholesterol
  • Helps with weight management

Homemade pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Pesto Recipe

Essential ingredients

  • Basil

    30 g (1 cup)

  • Parmesan (grated)

    100 g (1 cup)

  • Olive oil

    20 g (4 tsp)

  • Pine nuts

    20 g (5 tsp)

  • Garlic

    3 g (1 tsp)

Ingredients to taste

Salt, Black pepper

How to make

Please follow the next steps:

  1. 1

    Put the basil leaves and pine nuts into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse a few times.

  2. 2

    Add Parmesan and garlic. Pulse several times more.

  3. 3

    Scrape down the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula.

  4. 4

    While the food processor is working, slowly add the olive oil in a small, steady stream.

  5. 5

    Periodically, pause to scrape down the sides of the food processor.

  6. 6

    Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

  7. 7

    Toss with pasta for a quick sauce, or spread onto crackers or toasted slices of bread. Enjoy!

Weight Loss Tips

  • Kitchen scales are more precise than cups and spoons. Kitchen scales would be a great investment in your weight loss.

  • Choose low-fat cheese to decrease the number of calories you consume.

  • Chew your food more thoroughly. Research shows that it can reduce calorie intake at mealtimes.

  • Cooking Method

    Blending

  • Recipe category

    Appetizer

  • Recipe cuisine

    Italian

  • Tools

    Food processor

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