Thai Basil Pesto – and what to do with it!
The flavor has a pronounced licorice essence and a little spicy kick. So many uses – see my list. Find this wonderful variety at farmers’ markets. Makes a delicious and unique pesto!
Servings: 16 servings' make just over 1 cup
Equipment
- 1 food processor
Ingredients
- 2 cups Thai basil leaves washed and dried; lightly packed
- 3 medium garlic cloves peeled
- 2 tablespoon pignoli Nuts (pine nuts)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast can use Parmigiano Reggiano
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoons fresh cracked pepper
- 2 pinches dried Thai chile* or any dried spicy chili minced before adding to the processor
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Simple to make! Most of your time will be spent picking the basil leaves off their stems; washing and drying them.
- Add the first 7 ingredients (all but the olive oil) to the bowl of a food processor. This pesto has a slight spicy taste - feel free to adjust the chile peppers to suit your taste. Pulse a few time to break down the ingredients. Measure the olive oil and turn the machine on.
- Add the olive oil in a steady stream through the feed tube until all is incorporated. Scrape down with a rubber spatula. Turn machine back on and process to a smooth paste/pesto. Can add more olive oil to your taste.
To Store:
- Keep in the refrigerator in a glass container with a tight seal. Top with a layer of olive oil and place a piece of waxed paper (can use plastic wrap too) on top, pressing down - to stop basil from discoloring.
Notes
* Thai Chiles: This spicy thai chile pepper is indispensable in Asian cuisines. Scoville Heat varies in these; some very hot - a miniature variety of cayenne. So use them sparingly, or substitute with a mild chile if desired.
This recipe may not be reproduced without the consent of its author, Karen Sheer.
Nutrition
Calories: 73kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 37mg | Potassium: 38mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 160IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.3mg