Almond Pesto Recipe
Kimberly Booker RD
As I embarked on my culinary journey, I stumbled upon a delightful and unique twist to the traditional pesto recipe – almond pesto.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Condiment, sauce
Cuisine American, Italian, Mediterranean
Servings 8
Calories 168 kcal
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic large
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves only lightly packed – about 1 ½ ounces
- ¼ cup roasted almonds
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/5 tsp. ground black pepper
Step 1: Organize and Prepare Ingredients
Begin by arranging all the required ingredients neatly on your kitchen counter or workspace. Make sure you have fresh basil leaves, roasted almonds, extra virgin olive oil, grated parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, kosher salt, and ground black pepper ready for use.
Step 2: Load Ingredients into the Processor
Take the bowl of your food processor or high-speed blender and add the fresh basil leaves, roasted almonds, extra virgin olive oil, grated parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, kosher salt, and ground black pepper into it.
Ensure each ingredient is measured accurately and added to the bowl in the correct proportions.
Step 3: Blend to Combine
Start the food processor or blender and blend the ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined. This process usually takes between 30 seconds to 1 minute and 30 seconds.
Aim for a texture that suits your preference, whether it’s a coarse mixture or a smoother consistency. You can adjust the blending time accordingly.
Step 4: Check and Adjust Seasoning
Once blended, pause to taste the almond pesto and assess its seasoning. Add more kosher salt if necessary, ensuring it complements the flavors without overpowering them.
Take into account the natural saltiness of the parmesan cheese when adjusting the seasoning.
Step 5: Achieve Desired Texture
If you find that the almond pesto is too thick for your liking, you can adjust its texture by incorporating a small amount of water or extra virgin olive oil.
Gradually add the liquid while continuing to blend until you reach the desired consistency. This step allows you to tailor the pesto to your preferences.
Step 6: Serve or Store
Transfer the freshly made almond pesto into a clean jar or airtight container suitable for storing.
Utilize the almond pesto immediately as a flavorful sauce for pasta, a spread for sandwiches, or a topping for grilled meats and vegetables. Alternatively, refrigerate it for later use, ensuring it’s tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
- – Toast the almonds for extra flavor: Roasting the almonds enhances their nutty taste and adds a delightful depth to the pesto.
- – Use high-quality ingredients: Opt for the freshest basil, extra virgin olive oil, and parmesan cheese to ensure a rich and vibrant flavor profile.
- – Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to customize the amount of salt and pepper according to your preference, ensuring the pesto is perfectly seasoned.
- – Store in an airtight container: To preserve the freshness of the almond pesto, transfer it to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to a week.
- – Experiment with variations: Get creative with your almond pesto by adding sun-dried tomatoes, lemon zest, or chili flakes for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Keyword Almond Pesto Recipe