Luscious Roasted Garlic & Basil Pesto
Award-winning and simply irresistible, this Luscious Roasted Garlic & Basil Pesto redefines the classic sauce with its rich, nutty flavors and aromatic depth. By roasting garlic and pine nuts, this recipe brings out their natural sweetness and mellows the garlic's bite, creating a perfectly balanced pesto that even the pickiest eaters can't resist! Ideal for drizzling over pasta, seasoning grilled chicken, or spreading on crusty bread, this versatile sauce adds a burst of summer to your winter days. Blanching the basil is a clever technique that not only preserves the vibrant color but also ensures your pesto stays fresh when frozen. This recipe is a true testament to the magic of cooking with love and creativity.
N/A
Servings
216
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Basil Leaves
4 cups (packed and washed well)
Pine Nuts
1/2 cup (toasted until golden and cooled)
Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup (freshly grated)
Garlic
1 head (roasted)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 cup (more or less to desired consistency)
Chicken Broth
to taste (if necessary, to thin the pesto)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the root end off the garlic head and gently brush the exposed cloves with a little olive oil. Wrap the garlic in foil to create a tight packet.
2
Roast the wrapped garlic in the preheated oven for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until it is incredibly soft and golden brown. Once roasted, let the garlic cool slightly before squeezing the soft cloves out into a bowl.
3
While the garlic is roasting, toast the pine nuts in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they turn a golden brown and become fragrant. Be careful not to burn them! Allow the toasted pine nuts to cool.
4
For the basil (optional), fill a saucepan with salted water and bring it to a boil. Have a bowl of ice water ready nearby. Blanch the basil by adding it to the boiling water for just 2 seconds, then immediately transfer it to the ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain the basil in a sieve and pat dry to remove excess water.
5
In a food processor or with an immersion blender, combine the roasted garlic, blanched basil, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. Blend until the mixture is smooth, adjusting the olive oil quantity for your desired consistency. If needed, add chicken broth gradually for further thinning.
6
Taste and season the pesto with salt and pepper as desired. Transfer to a clean jar, and store in the refrigerator for 5-7 days or freeze for later use. This recipe yields about 1 1/2 cups.
Nutrition Information
18.8g
Fat
4.3g
Carbs
6.4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of the Luscious Roasted Garlic & Basil Pesto?
This pesto features rich, nutty flavors with aromatic depth. Roasting the garlic and pine nuts brings out natural sweetness and mellows the garlic's bite.
How many ingredients are required for this pesto recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, a head of garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and chicken broth.
At what temperature should the garlic be roasted?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C) for roasting the garlic.
How long does it take to roast the garlic?
The garlic should be roasted for approximately 30-35 minutes until it is soft and golden brown.
How do I prepare the garlic head for roasting?
Slice the root end off the garlic head, brush the exposed cloves with olive oil, and wrap it tightly in foil.
What is the purpose of blanching the basil?
Blanching the basil is a technique that preserves its vibrant green color and ensures the pesto stays fresh when frozen.
How long should the basil be blanched?
The basil should be blanched in boiling water for just 2 seconds before being moved to an ice bath.
How should I toast the pine nuts?
Toast them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until they turn golden brown and become fragrant.
What can I use to blend the pesto ingredients?
You can use either a food processor or an immersion blender to achieve a smooth consistency.
How much basil is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of well-washed and packed fresh basil leaves.
How much Parmesan cheese is used?
You will need 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
What is the recommended amount of pine nuts?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of pine nuts, toasted until golden.
How can I thin the pesto if it is too thick?
You can adjust the consistency by adding more olive oil or gradually incorporating chicken broth.
How much pesto does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 1 1/2 cups of pesto.
How long can I store the pesto in the refrigerator?
The pesto can be stored in a clean jar in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days.
Is this pesto suitable for freezing?
Yes, it is freezer-friendly and the blanching technique helps it maintain quality when frozen.
What are the serving suggestions for this pesto?
It is perfect for drizzling over pasta, seasoning grilled chicken, or spreading on crusty bread.
What are the calorie counts for this recipe?
The recipe contains approximately 216 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of the pesto?
Each serving contains about 18.8g of fat.
How much protein is in this pesto?
There are 6.4g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates does it contain?
The recipe has 4.3g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe have a vegan option?
Yes, it is tagged as having a vegan option, likely by omitting or replacing the Parmesan and chicken broth.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
Is the basil blanching mandatory?
Blanching the basil is listed as an optional step, but it is highly recommended for color preservation.
When should I season the pesto with salt and pepper?
Taste and season the pesto with salt and pepper after you have blended the main ingredients to your desired consistency.
How do I extract the roasted garlic from the head?
Once the roasted garlic has cooled slightly, simply squeeze the soft cloves out from the skin into a bowl.
What is the texture of the garlic after roasting?
The roasted garlic should be incredibly soft and have a golden brown color.
Do I need to dry the basil after blanching?
Yes, after draining the basil in a sieve, you should pat it dry to remove excess water before blending.
Can I use chicken broth as a thinner?
Yes, chicken broth can be added gradually to reach your preferred thickness.
Is this pesto good for winter?
Yes, the description notes it adds a burst of summer flavors to your winter days.