19 Original Italian Dry Pesto Recipe Try These Culinary Delights!
Published on: Mar 18, 2024
Italian cuisine is well-known for its delicious and flavorful dishes. One of the most popular Italian dishes is pesto, a rich and aromatic sauce made with fresh herbs, nuts, cheese, and olive oil. While pesto is commonly associated with the Genoa region in Italy, it actually originated in the Liguria region. The original Italian dry pesto recipe is a simple yet delicious blend of ingredients that has been passed down for generations. Let's take a closer look at the history and ingredients of this classic Italian sauce.
Main Ingredients: Skinless Salmon Fillets, Fresh Green Beans, Olive Oil
Get a taste of Italy and the Mediterranean with this delicious Pesto Salmon and Italian Veggies in Foil recipe. The combination of pesto, salmon, and fresh veggies makes for a hearty and flavorful meal that is perfect for any occasion.
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Italian Pesto Sliders
Main Ingredients: Slider Rolls, Pesto, Vine Ripened Tomatoes, Sun Dried
Upgrade your traditional sliders with a touch of Italian flavor. These Italian Pesto Sliders are made with mini buns, juicy meat, and a generous spread of pesto sauce. They are perfect for parties or as a quick and easy meal option.
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Pesto Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Pesto, Butter, No Boil Lasagna Noodles, Grated Parmesan
Take your lasagna game to the next level with this Pesto Lasagna recipe. The traditional tomato sauce is replaced with a mouthwatering pesto sauce, and layers of pasta and cheese are topped with a generous amount of pesto for a truly decadent dish.
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Pesto Panini with Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato
Main Ingredients: Bread, Pesto, Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, Salt
This Pesto Panini with Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato is a quick and easy lunch option that is bursting with Italian flavors. The combination of pesto, fresh mozzarella, and ripe tomatoes is a match made in heaven, and the warm and crispy bread takes it to the next level.
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Pesto & Quinoa Stuffed Mushrooms
Main Ingredients: Button Mushrooms, Pesto, Cooked Quinoa, Parmesan
Elevate your stuffed mushroom game with this Pesto & Quinoa Stuffed Mushrooms recipe. The combination of pesto, quinoa, and savory mushrooms is a winning combination that is perfect for parties or as a delicious side dish.
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Italian Turkey BLT
Main Ingredients: Ripe Avocado, Pesto, Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, Turkey
Put an Italian twist on the classic BLT sandwich with this Italian Turkey BLT recipe. The addition of pesto and fresh mozzarella takes this sandwich to the next level, making it a perfect lunch option for any day of the week.
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Italian Pesto Grilled Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Pesto, Italian
Fire up the grill and try this Italian Pesto Grilled Chicken recipe. The pesto marinade adds an incredible depth of flavor to the chicken, and it pairs perfectly with grilled vegetables for a healthy and tasty meal option.
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Italian Pesto Chicken Salad
Main Ingredients: Light Mayonnaise, Pesto, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder
Add some pizzazz to your chicken salad with this Italian Pesto Chicken Salad recipe. The combination of pesto, chicken, and fresh veggies makes for a delicious and filling lunch option that will leave you wanting more.
This Italian Pesto Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish for any summer barbecue or potluck. The combination of pesto, pasta, and fresh veggies makes for a refreshing and flavorful dish that everyone will love.
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Pesto Pasta with Shrimp and Peas
Main Ingredients: Whole Wheat Penne Pasta, Delallo Extra Virgin Olive
Give your pasta dish a seafood twist with this Pesto Pasta with Shrimp and Peas recipe. The combination of pesto, shrimp, and peas makes for a light and flavorful meal that can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
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Sun-Dried Tomato and Pistachio Pesto
Main Ingredients: Oil Packed Sun Dried Tomatoes, Basil Leaves
Switch up your pesto game with this Sun-Dried Tomato and Pistachio Pesto recipe. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes and pistachios adds a unique and delicious flavor to the traditional pesto sauce, making it perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.
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Chicken Bacon Ravioli [+ Fresh Kale Pesto]
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Ravioli, Flour, Large Eggs, Ravioli Filling
Indulge in this mouthwatering Chicken Bacon Ravioli with Fresh Kale Pesto recipe. The combination of tender ravioli, crispy bacon, and homemade pesto sauce will have your taste buds singing and your stomach satisfied.
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Pesto Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Rotini, Pesto, Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, Salt
Take your pasta salad game to the next level with this Pesto Pasta Salad recipe. The combination of pesto, pasta, and fresh veggies makes for a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for any summer gathering.
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Italian Sausage Pesto Flatbread Melts
Main Ingredients: Hot Italian Sausage, Olive Oil, White Wine, Pesto
These Italian Sausage Pesto Flatbread Melts are a delicious and easy dinner option that is perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of pesto, Italian sausage, and gooey cheese makes for a mouthwatering and satisfying meal.
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Pesto Arancini - Italian Street Food!
Main Ingredients: Rice, Chicken Stock, Olive Oil, Medium Grain Rice
Transport your taste buds to the streets of Italy with this Pesto Arancini recipe. These crispy and flavorful rice balls are filled with a gooey cheese center and a touch of pesto for a truly authentic Italian street food experience.
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Italian Pesto Burger #BurgerMonth #GirlCarnivore
Main Ingredients: Prosciutto, Pesto, Ground Beef, Salt, Freshly Ground
Take your burger game to the next level with this Italian Pesto Burger recipe. The combination of juicy beef, fresh mozzarella, and pesto makes for a mouthwatering burger that is perfect for any barbecue or cookout.
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Pesto Mozzarella Stuffed Pork Chops
Main Ingredients: Mozzarella Cheese, Pesto, Dried Breadcrumbs, Boneless
Elevate your pork chop game with this Pesto Mozzarella Stuffed Pork Chops recipe. The combination of pesto, mozzarella, and juicy pork chops makes for a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to impress.
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Italian Tortellini Skewers with Pesto Drizzle
Main Ingredients: Cheese Tortellini, Fresh Mozzarella Balls, Tomatoes
These Italian Tortellini Skewers with Pesto Drizzle are a fun and tasty appetizer option for any occasion. The combination of tortellini, fresh veggies, and a drizzle of pesto makes for a colorful and flavorful dish that is sure to be a hit.
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7-Layer Italian Pesto Quinoa Dip
Main Ingredients: Chopped Pecans, Blue Cheese, Hummus, Fresh Spinach, Sun
Impress your guests with this 7-Layer Italian Pesto Quinoa Dip at your next party. The combination of pesto, quinoa, and layers of delicious toppings makes for a hearty and flavorful dip that is perfect for snacking.
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Pesto Caprese Gnocchi
Main Ingredients: Gnocchi, Grape Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, Prosciutto
Put a twist on the classic Caprese salad with this Pesto Caprese Gnocchi recipe. The combination of pesto, fresh mozzarella, and juicy tomatoes is combined with soft and pillowy gnocchi for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
The History of Italian Dry Pesto
Italian dry pesto has a long history dating back to ancient Rome. It was originally known as "moretum," a paste made from herbs, cheese, and olive oil. The word "pesto" comes from the Italian word "pestare," which means to pound or crush. This name reflects the traditional method of making pesto by grinding the ingredients together with a mortar and pestle. The sauce became popular in the Liguria region in the 16th century, where the main ingredients, basil and pine nuts, were abundant. It was commonly used as a sauce for pasta and soups, and eventually spread throughout Italy and the rest of the world.
The Ingredients of Italian Dry Pesto
The original Italian dry pesto recipe calls for a few simple, yet high-quality ingredients. These include fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. The basil used in pesto is a specific variety called "Genovese" basil, known for its sweet and slightly peppery flavor. The pine nuts add a creamy and nutty element, while the garlic and cheese provide a rich and savory taste. Extra virgin olive oil is the key to achieving a smooth and velvety texture in the pesto.
Making Italian Dry Pesto
To make authentic Italian dry pesto, start by toasting the pine nuts in a pan until they are golden brown. Then, combine the pine nuts, basil, garlic, and cheese in a mortar and pestle, or food processor. **Gently pound or blend the ingredients together while drizzling in the olive oil until a smooth paste is formed**. The pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or frozen for longer storage.
Ways to Enjoy Italian Dry Pesto
Italian dry pesto is a versatile sauce that can be used in various dishes. The most common way to enjoy it is by tossing it with pasta, such as spaghetti or penne. It can also be spread on crusty bread or used as a dip for vegetables. Pesto is also a great addition to soups, sandwiches, and even as a topping for pizza. Its bold and savory flavors can elevate any dish and add a taste of Italy to your meals.
In conclusion, the original Italian dry pesto recipe is a simple yet flavorful sauce that has stood the test of time. Its rich history and traditional method of preparation make it a beloved staple in Italian cuisine. So next time you're craving a taste of Italy, try making your own authentic Italian dry pesto and experience the flavors of this classic sauce.