As an Italian living abroad, cooking traditional plates, like pesto, is not only a way to connect with my heritage but it’s also a way to share my culture with my family and friends. Food is crucial in our culture, bringing us together, especially during family gatherings and holidays.
One of my favorite traditional Italian dishes is Pesto sauce for pasta. Pesto originates from Genoa, a city in the northern region of Liguria, but it has become a beloved staple throughout Italy. The sauce is made from fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. All blended into a fragrant and delicious sauce.
Making Pesto sauce from scratch is not only easy but also incredibly satisfying. The fresh ingredients give the sauce a bright and vibrant flavor that you can’t get from a store-bought jar. Plus, it’s a versatile sauce that can be used in various dishes, not just pasta.
Pesto
โข 2 cups fresh basil leaves
โข 1/2 cup pine nuts
โข 2 cloves of garlic
โข 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
โข 1/2 cup olive oil
โข Salt and pepper to taste
Start by toasting the pine nuts in a pan over medium heat until lightly browned, then set them aside to cool. Next, add the basil leaves, garlic, and cooled pine nuts to a food processor and pulse until everything is finely chopped.
Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese and olive oil, and continue to blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Once the Pesto sauce is ready, it’s time to cook your pasta. I like to use penne or fusilli, but any pasta shape will work. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and toss with the Pesto sauce.
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with a few extra pine nuts and Parmesan cheese.
And, if you’re a knitter who loves cottagecore and wants to create a practical yet stylish item for your home, I encourage you to check out my dishtowel knit patterns. It’s a great way to add a touch of handmade charm to your kitchen while practicing your knitting skills.
In conclusion, cooking traditional Italian dishes like Pesto sauce for pasta is important to me and a way to share my culture with my loved ones. I hope this recipe inspires you to try making Pesto sauce from scratch and to experiment with different pasta shapes and dishes. And if you’re a knitter who loves cottagecore, check out my dishtowel knit patterns and add a touch of handmade charm to your kitchen.