One of the most delightful aspects of this time of year is the sheer abundance of fresh produce. Herbs and salad leaves, in particular, grow quickly, allowing for regular harvests. And what better way to celebrate this bounty than by indulging in my obsession with pesto?
The Versatility of Pesto
Pesto is marvellously adaptable. You can make a version of pesto out of almost any herb or green, making it an excellent way to use up a surplus of any particular crop. This versatility means that no matter what you have growing in your garden, you can create a delicious pesto to enjoy.
Creating your own Pesto
Here's a summary of what you will need to make your very own version:
1 LEAVES This can be almost any soft herb or salad leaf, or a combination.
Some of my favourites are basil, rocket and wild garlic but you can use
whatever you have to hand.
2 CHEESE Normally Parmesan, but you can use alternatives such as Grana Padano.
3 NUTS Pine nuts are classic but almost any nut will work. I use things like walnuts
cashews, almonds or hazelnuts depending on what I have in stock.
4 OIL A good olive oil is the classic but any nicely flavoured oil that you would
normally use for salad dressings (not cooking) should work.
5 GARLIC A clove or two can be added to boost the flavour and texture.
You may want to leave out if using wild garlic as the pesto base.
6 SEASONING Lemon zest, salt and pepper are the mainstays, but use what you like!
Storing Your Pesto
One of the great things about pesto is its longevity. It can be stored in the fridge for about a week, and if you cover it with a layer of oil, it can last even longer. For extended storage, freeze your pesto in an ice-cube tray and then transfer the cubes to a bag once frozen. This way, you can easily pull out a cube or two to add to sauces, stocks, or soups whenever you need a burst of flavour.
Pesto is not just a sauce; it's a celebration of the freshest seasonal ingredients. Its adaptability and convenient storage make it a go to in the summer months. When you have an excess of herbs and greens, keep in mind that whipping up your very own delicious pesto is just a few straightforward steps away.
Pesto is incredibly versatile and can be used in so many delicious ways beyond pasta. Spread it on sandwiches, drizzle it over roasted vegetables, mix it into salad dressings, or even use it as a marinade for meats and fish. The possibilities are endless!
Comments