Do you make your own pesto?

[rascal]

Last summer I made a lot of basil pesto with roasted pine nuts, it's loved around here, has anyone tried it with walnuts or pecans? I'd love to know from those that may have made it, basil is huge here so I'm not far away from making again. The other thing is with cashews?? Any thoughts please?

Russ

 

[TastyReuben]

Yes, I make my own pesto every so often. Easy to do with a food processor or stick blender, and it takes about five minutes.

I usually make it with walnuts, because pine nuts are crazy expensive, like $7US for a little 1/2-cup packet. It's good either way, and I don't really pick up much difference. Walnuts are a little more earthy, maybe.

 

[MypinchofItaly]

Last summer I made a lot of basil pesto with roasted pine nuts, it's loved around here, has anyone tried it with walnuts or pecans? I'd love to know from those that may have made it, basil is huge here so I'm not far away from making again. The other thing is with cashews?? Any thoughts please?

Russ

I make my own pesto (usually the classic Genoese basil pesto), although in fact pine nuts are not very cheap even around here, unless you choose a quality a little too cheap but then they won't give any boost to it.
So sometimes I prepare it even without pine nuts, obtaining a simple basil cream.

I have never tried to add walnuts or pecans or cashews (or maybe I did and I simply don't remember), I'm afraid they would kill the taste of the basil.

Instead they are very good as a pesto on their own.

Have you ever tried pesto made with arugula? It tastes a bit strong, but it's really good.

 

[Morning Glory]

I've made it substituting breadcrumbs for pine-nuts. I think it is an Italian version but not sure if it has another name.

 

[medtran49]

I've made it with walnuts, but prefer pine nuts. We also like a pesto made with our oven dried tomatoes. It's great with chicken especially.

 

[detroitdad]

I roasted my own almonds and used those for my basil pesto. Added another cool element of flavor to it (plus it was a lot cheaper).

 

[MypinchofItaly]

I've made it substituting breadcrumbs for pine-nuts. I think it is an Italian version but not sure if it has another name.

You mean breadcrumbs (generally toasted) put on top or proper added in the pesto?

 

[Morning Glory]

You mean breadcrumbs (generally toasted) put on top or proper added in the pesto?

Added instead of pine-nuts.

 

[rascal]

I make my own pesto (usually the classic Genoese basil pesto), although in fact pine nuts are not very cheap even around here, unless you choose a quality a little too cheap but then they won't give any boost to it.
So sometimes I prepare it even without pine nuts, obtaining a simple basil cream.

I have never tried to add walnuts or pecans or cashews (or maybe I did and I simply don't remember), I'm afraid they would kill the taste of the basil.

Instead they are very good as a pesto on their own.

Have you ever tried pesto made with arugula? It tastes a bit strong, but it's really good.

I havnt seen arugula here, but I will keep an eye out. I didn't think we could get emanthal here til a few days ago. Daughter bought some.

Russ

 

[MypinchofItaly]

Added instead of pine-nuts.

Never heard of this method , but sounds interesting

 

[ElizabethB]

I have fresh basil in my garden at least 9 months out of the year. Yes I make Pesto. I use roasted pecans instead of pine nuts. Readily available and less expensive. I actually like the flavor better.

 

[rascal]

I have fresh basil in my garden at least 9 months out of the year. Yes I make Pesto. I use roasted pecans instead of pine nuts. Readily available and less expensive. I actually like the flavor better.

I have pecans here. I'll try this in the weekend.

Russ

 

[Morning Glory]

I have pecans here. I'll try this in the weekend.

Russ

Just a note to say that pesto recipes could qualify for entry into the current Recipe Challenge.

 

[indianwells]

I use pecans and it's lovely, cheap in Lidl.

 

[Saranak]

Ciao,

I make pesto all time I did try to make use hazelnut, it seem work OK.

Sarana x