“God gives the nuts – but he does not crack them” Franz Kafka
Pesto is a favourite in my house and making a homemade one with fresh basil is a complete joy. Homemade means you can control the amount of salt, olive oil and cheese!
I never add in the Parmesan, as I know I tend to add some while serving on top, there isn’t the need of extra cheese inside.
I use this recipe with walnuts, while traditionally Italians use the rich pine nuts, oozing with flavour and calories! I refrain from pine nuts simply because it is too fattening, requires a special trip to the store (leading to procrastination), and frankly, quite expensive (also leading to procrastination!).
Walnuts are a great substitute, because, well, I always have a ton of them lying around the house, the nutritional values are great, and they have a lighter feel than pine nuts.
Walnuts, lemon and basil make a beautiful medley, and is a refreshing twist in pastas, sandwiches and dips.
However, if you do have pine nuts and want to use them, please do – it really is the most authentic way! (Pine nuts are a great source of proteins and fibres, but are calculated at about 190 calories per ounce! Add this with the olive oil – ACK!)
Regarding the garlic – a while back I received a reply from a friend in Atlanta re the tomato + basil pasta with: “12-14 cloves? Hellooo garlic breath!”
I must clarify that these recipes are based on Indian produce and sizes. American vegetable produce are larger in sizes and stronger in tastes as well. One Indian lemon is probably a quarter of a big American Meyer lemon. Garlic cloves must be halved at least, if not further lessened!
ABOUT THE RECIPE
Use the juice of an entire lemon – don’t cheat on this. Grind the ingredients together until you get your desired consistency. I like some of the basil leaves to be a bigger size rather than a mushy paste – but this is entirely personal.
Basil leaves should be fresh and good quality.
If you want to use pine nuts, add in ½ cup of pine nuts, while omitting the walnuts.
This portion makes for a medium mason jar, which can be used to stir into spaghetti for 4-6 people.
Quantity of garlic cloves is based on Indian garlic; American garlic is stronger, hence halve the quantity.
The Recipe
Serves Yields: 1 medium mason jar | Prep Time: 30 mins
Ingredients
- 200g fresh basil
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup Parmigiana cheese (optional)
- 1 cup walnuts
- 7-8 cloves garlic
- Juice of one lemon
- Salt + Pepper
Instructions
- Wash the basil leaves well and pat dry. (Ensure the stems are removed)
- In a mixer, crush all the ingredients together until desired consistency. (You can add more olive oil or lemon juice as per your tastes)
- This stays well in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week, and stays a lot longer in the freezer.
- To make pasta: Gently saute vegetables, garlic and onions in some olive oil. Stir in the walnut basil pesto sauce and then boiled pasta. Serve warm with some grated Parmesan cheese.
