16 Italian Grandma Pesto Recipe Try These Culinary Delights!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
For generations, Italian grandmothers have been passing down their beloved pesto recipe, making it a staple in many households. This simple yet flavorful sauce is made with fresh ingredients and can elevate any dish. Whether you're looking to impress your dinner guests or just craving a taste of Italy, this authentic Italian grandma pesto recipe is a must-try. Let's dive into the steps and see how you can recreate this delicious sauce in your own kitchen.
If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful meal, this Italian chicken and rice casserole is the perfect choice. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a rich tomato sauce and baked with rice and vegetables for a satisfying one-dish meal that the whole family will love. The addition of fresh basil pesto adds a burst of flavor and takes this casserole to the next level.
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Fresh Basil Pesto
Main Ingredients: Fresh Basil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Pine Nuts, Grated
No Italian recipe collection is complete without a recipe for fresh basil pesto. This versatile sauce can be used in a variety of dishes, from pasta to sandwiches to chicken. Made with fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil, this homemade pesto is so much more delicious than store-bought versions.
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Breaded Zucchini & Eggplant Pasta w/ Chive-Basil Pesto
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Eggplant, Flour, Eggs, Panko Bread Crumbs
Looking for a unique and flavorful pasta dish? This breaded zucchini and eggplant pasta with chive-basil pesto is a must-try. The combination of crispy breaded zucchini and eggplant with the freshness of chive-basil pesto creates a delicious and satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends.
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Classic Italian Basil Pesto Sauce
Main Ingredients: Basil Leaves, Virgin Olive Oil, Pine Nuts, Grated
When it comes to classic Italian dishes, a good pesto sauce is a must. This classic Italian basil pesto sauce is made with fresh basil leaves, parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil, and is the perfect accompaniment to your favorite pasta dishes. Use it as a sauce, topping, or dip – the options are endless.
If you want to impress your dinner guests with an authentic Italian meal, this authentic basil pesto recipe is a must-try. Made with fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic, and parmesan cheese, this pesto sauce is full of rich and bold flavors that will transport you to Italy with every bite.
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Easy Classic Italian Basil Pesto
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Fresh Basil Leaves, Garlic, Parmesan Cheese
Don't have a lot of time, but still want to enjoy a classic Italian meal? This easy classic Italian basil pesto recipe is perfect for you. With just a few simple ingredients and a food processor, you can whip up a batch of homemade pesto in no time. Serve it with your favorite pasta for a quick and delicious dinner.
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Easy Basil Pesto Sauce
Main Ingredients: Fresh Basil Leaves, Garlic Cloves, Grated Parmesan
This easy basil pesto sauce is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious meal. Made with fresh basil leaves, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese, this sauce is flavorful and versatile. Use it as a dip, spread, or sauce for your favorite dishes.
No list of Italian recipes would be complete without a classic Italian bolognese sauce. This traditional recipe is made with ground beef, tomatoes, wine, and a blend of herbs and spices for a rich and hearty sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor.
If you want to impress your dinner guests with a unique and delicious appetizer, these Italian stuffed artichokes are the perfect choice. Tender artichoke hearts are stuffed with a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs, then baked to perfection. They make a great addition to any Italian meal.
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Keto Basil Pesto
Main Ingredients: Parmesan Cheese, Pine Nuts, Garlic, Parsley, Basil
If you're following a keto diet, you don't have to miss out on the delicious flavors of traditional Italian dishes. This keto basil pesto recipe is made with fresh basil, pine nuts, olive oil, and parmesan cheese, making it the perfect low-carb and high-fat sauce for your favorite keto-friendly meals.
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Basil Pesto
Main Ingredients: Fresh Basil Leaves, Pine Nuts, Garlic, Grated Parmesan
Simple and delicious, this basic basil pesto recipe is a must-have in your recipe collection. Made with fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil, this pesto sauce is perfect for adding flavor to pasta, sandwiches, or even as a pizza topping. Customize it by adding your favorite herbs and spices for a unique twist.
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Fazzoletti with Basil Pesto
Main Ingredients: Flour, Egg Yolks, Eggs, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Fazzoletti, or handkerchief pasta, is a fun and unique pasta shape that pairs perfectly with basil pesto. This recipe for fazzoletti with basil pesto is a delicious and easy way to enjoy this pasta. The delicate folds of the pasta hold onto the rich and creamy pesto sauce for a burst of flavor in every bite.
No Italian meal is complete without a classic dish of Italian meatballs. This recipe for homemade Italian meatballs is easy to make and full of flavor. Serve them with your favorite pasta and a generous drizzle of marinara sauce for a comforting and satisfying meal.
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Gnocchi with Basil Pesto and Mushrooms
Main Ingredients: Fresh Gnocchi, Basil, Pine Nuts, Garlic Cloves
If you're a fan of gnocchi, you have to try this recipe for gnocchi with basil pesto and mushrooms. The tender potato dumplings are coated in a creamy and flavorful basil pesto sauce and topped with sautéed mushrooms for a delicious and filling meal that will have you going back for seconds.
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Italian Meatballs {Great Big Italian Meatballs}
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Bread Crumbs
For those who love bigger portions, these great big Italian meatballs are a must-try. Made with a combination of ground beef and pork, these meatballs are tender, flavorful, and satisfying. Serve them with your favorite pasta and a sprinkle of fresh basil for a classic Italian meal.
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Italian Sausage Penne Casserole
Main Ingredients: Penne Pasta, Hot Italian Sausage, Mozzarella Cheese
This Italian sausage penne casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Tender penne pasta is combined with spicy Italian sausage, tomatoes, spinach, and mozzarella cheese for a delicious and hearty meal that the whole family will love. The addition of basil pesto adds a burst of flavor and takes this casserole to the next level.
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Summer Zucchini, Fresh Ricotta & Basil Pesto Over Pasta
Main Ingredients: Onion, Zucchini, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Cloves, Basil
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh zucchini, and this recipe for summer zucchini, fresh ricotta, and basil pesto over pasta is a great way to do just that. The combination of zucchini and fresh ricotta cheese creates a creamy and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with al dente pasta and a generous dollop of basil pesto.
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Italian Chicken with Basil Pesto & Grape Tomatoes
Main Ingredients: Fresh Basil Leaves, Garlic, Olive Oil, Parmigiano
This recipe for Italian chicken with basil pesto and grape tomatoes is a delicious and easy way to enjoy chicken. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a homemade basil pesto sauce and topped with sweet grape tomatoes for a colorful and flavorful dish that can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
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Arugula and Basil Pesto Risotto with Sauteed Mushrooms
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Basil, Baby Arugula, Olive Oil, Walnuts
Risotto is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for showcasing the flavors of fresh herbs and vegetables. This arugula and basil pesto risotto with sautéed mushrooms is a delicious and unique way to enjoy this dish. The peppery arugula and rich basil pesto create a flavorful base for the creamy and comforting risotto.
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Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Ground Beef, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Tomato
No list of Italian recipes would be complete without a classic lasagna recipe. Layers of homemade marinara sauce, rich meat filling, and creamy béchamel sauce are topped with mozzarella cheese and baked to perfection. Don't forget to add a sprinkle of fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor.
The Best Ingredients for Authentic Pesto
When it comes to making pesto, the quality of the ingredients makes all the difference. To achieve that classic Italian taste, fresh basil is a must. You can find this herb in most grocery stores, but for an even more authentic experience, try growing your own basil plant. Pine nuts are another key ingredient in pesto, giving it a nutty and slightly sweet flavor. Toasting them before adding them to the sauce will enhance their taste even more. Garlic and grated Parmesan cheese are also essential components of pesto, providing a sharp and savory taste. Finally, extra virgin olive oil brings all the ingredients together and adds a rich and smooth texture to the sauce.
Making the Perfect Pesto
To begin, start by picking the fresh basil leaves and washing them thoroughly. It's essential to dry them completely before blending to avoid a watery consistency. Next, toast the pine nuts in a pan over medium heat until they turn golden brown. Then, add them to a food processor along with the garlic cloves and pulse until they are finely chopped. Now, add the basil leaves and pulse again until they are finely chopped. Finally, slowly pour in the extra virgin olive oil while continuing to pulse until the pesto reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. Don't forget to add the grated Parmesan cheese and pulse for a few more seconds to incorporate it into the sauce.
Delicious Ways to Use Pesto
Now that you have your homemade pesto, it's time to put it to use! Traditionally, pesto is used as a sauce for pasta dishes, but it's also delicious spread on sandwiches, as a dip for vegetables, or even as a marinade for chicken or fish. You can also get creative and add it to soups, salads, or as a topping for pizza. The possibilities are endless, and the rich and vibrant flavors of the pesto will enhance any dish.
In conclusion, this Italian grandma pesto recipe is a true representation of the simplicity and deliciousness of traditional Italian cuisine. With just a few fresh and high-quality ingredients, you can make a versatile and flavorful sauce that will impress your taste buds and those around you. So, next time you're in the kitchen, channel your inner Italian grandma and give this pesto recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you.
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