pesto sauce recipe | basil pesto | easy homemade pesto | classic Indian basil pesto sauce

by Tarla Dalal

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पेस्टो सॉस रेसिपी | पेस्तो सॉस - हिन्दी में पढ़ें (Pesto Sauce, Indian Basil Pesto in Hindi)

પૅસ્તો સૉસ - ગુજરાતી માં વાંચો (Pesto Sauce, Indian Basil Pesto in Gujarati)

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pesto sauce recipe | basil pesto | easy homemade pesto | classic Indian basil pesto sauce | with 11 amazing images.

pesto sauce recipe | basil pesto | easy homemade pesto | classic Indian basil pesto sauce is a basic recipe used in pizza and pasta. Learn how to make basil pesto.

To make pesto sauce, combine all the ingredients along with 2 tbsp of water and blend in a mixer to a smooth paste. Use as required.

Exotic to the core, this recipe combines large quantities of fresh basil and nuts with a dash of olive oil and garlic, resulting in an easy homemade pesto that has an intense flavour and rich texture.

The use of olive oil is what lends the authentic taste to the basil pesto. It helps to make the paste with a unique flavour which is loved by adults and kids both.

You can use this classic Indian basil pesto sauce to create lip-smacking delicacies like pesto penne, bell pepper zucchini and pesto pizza and even a sandwich like pesto and mozzarella grilled sandwich. You can even use it as a spread on a toasted bread slice or on a baguette.

Tips for pesto sauce. 1. Authentic pesto sauce makes use of pine nuts. But since they are not easily available, we have substituted them with walnuts. 2. If pine nuts are used in the recipe, lightly roast them, cool completely and then blend them in a mixer with other ingredients till smooth. 3. Fresh pesto sauce has the perfect hue. If you wish to store it, transfer it in an airtight container and sprinkle little olive oil over it. This is to prevent it from darkening in colour. 4. Such pesto sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. 5. As a variation basil can be replaced with coriander to make coriander pesto.

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Pesto Sauce, Indian Basil Pesto recipe - How to make Pesto Sauce, Indian Basil Pesto

Pesto Sauce Video by Tarla Dalal

Pesto Sauce, Indian Basil Pesto recipe with step by step photos

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What is pesto sauce made of?

Pesto sauce is made of 1/4 cup pinenuts (chilgoza) or walnuts (akhrot), 2 cups fresh basil, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 garlic (lehsun) cloves and salt to taste.

Tips for pesto sauce

Authentic pesto sauce makes use of pine nuts. But since they are not easily available, we have substituted them with walnuts.
If pine nuts are used in the recipe, lightly roast them, cool completely and then blend them in a mixer with other ingredients till smooth.
Fresh pesto sauce has the perfect hue. If you wish to store it, transfer it in an air tight container and sprinkle little olive oil over it. This is to prevent it from darkening in colour.

Such pesto sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
As a variation basil can be replaced with coriander to make coriander pesto.

How to select walnuts

While walnuts are harvested in December, they are available year round. When purchasing whole walnuts that have not been shelled, choose those that feel heavy for their size.
Their shells should not be cracked, pierced or stained, as this is oftentimes a sign of mold development on the nutmeat, which renders it unsafe for consumption.
Shelled walnuts are generally available in pre-packaged containers as well as bulk bins.

Just as with any other food that you may purchase in the bulk section, make sure that the bins containing the walnuts are covered and that the store has a good product turnover so as to ensure its maximal freshness.
Whether purchasing walnuts in bulk or in a packaged container, avoid those that look rubbery or shrivelled.
If it is possible to smell the walnuts, do so in order to ensure that they are not rancid.

How to select basil

They are usually sold in packets. Ensure that they are loosely packed.
The leaves of fresh basil should look vibrant and be deep green in colour.

They should be free from darks spots or yellowing.
Ensure that the leaves are not wilting and are free from any tears or cuts etc.

How to select garlic

Try to pick out sturdy crisp pods of garlic which do not appear wilted.
Further the garlic pods should not be soft on touch.
You should also check for mold and mildew on the garlic.

The garlic pods should not have any black, yellow or green spots. That is an indication of spoilage.

For the pesto sauce

To make pesto sauce recipe | basil pesto | easy homemade pesto | classic Indian basil pesto sauce, add 2 cups fresh basil in a mixer jar.
Add 3 tbsp olive oil.
Add 1/4 cup pinenuts (chilgoza) or walnuts (akhrot). If pine nuts are used in the recipe, lightly roast them, cool completely and then blend them in a mixer with other ingredients till smooth.
Add 2 garlic (lehsun) cloves.

Add salt to taste.
Add 2 tbsp of water for blending.
Blend in a mixer to a smooth paste.
Use pesto sauce recipe | basil pesto | easy homemade pesto | classic Indian basil pesto sauce as required.