Rosie'S Pesto

Prep: 10 min Serves: 1 Cuisine: Italian

A vibrant, fresh pesto with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and lemon juice, perfect for coating pasta and adding a burst of flavor to various dishes.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 c. fresh basil leaves
  • 2 to 5 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 c. pine nuts
  • 1/4 c. Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1/4 c. lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Put the basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese in a blender or food processor.
  2. Drizzle in the lemon juice while processing; continue to puree until a smooth paste.
  3. Use only a small amount to coat pasta.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier pesto, consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil when blending. If you don't have pine nuts, walnuts or cashews can be a great substitute. Feel free to adjust the garlic according to your taste — start with two cloves if you're unsure. Incorporate this pesto in recipes like Pesto Lasagne for a delightful twist.

Serving Suggestions

This pesto is perfect as a pasta sauce, simply tossing it with your favorite noodles. It pairs beautifully with Spaghetti With Butter And Eggs or as a spread on sandwiches. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a fresh salad or some Garlic Bread(Microwave) to soak up the flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To prevent browning, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing. If you need to reheat it, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring continuously to maintain the texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Rosie'S Pesto contains roughly 1036 calories, with 51g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (144% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (109% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1210mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).

1036 kcal 52% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 51.2g 100% DV
Total Fat 52.3g 67% DV
Carbs 108.6g 39% DV
Fiber 30.5g 100% DV
Sugar 9.3g 19% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1209.6mg 53% DV
Potassium 2779.8mg 59% DV
Cholesterol 12mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 54.6mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 1.8mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 1873.8mg 100% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the pesto for later use?

Yes, you can freeze pesto! Pour it into ice cube trays and freeze until solid, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. This way, you can easily thaw just the right amount whenever you need it, keeping your pesto fresh for several months.

How can I make the pesto less intense in flavor?

To mellow the flavors, try adding more cheese or a few tablespoons of yogurt to the pesto. You can also increase the amount of olive oil or lemon juice to dilute the taste, making it more subtle and balanced.

What can I use pesto for apart from pasta?

Pesto is quite versatile! Use it as a topping for grilled chicken or fish, a spread on sandwiches or wraps, or as a flavorful dip for veggies. It also enhances dishes like roasted potatoes or mixed into creamy soups.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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