Category: Sauce
Pesto is a green sauce typically made from fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It originated in Italy and is commonly used as a sauce for pasta dishes, as a spread on sandwiches, or as a topping for meats and vegetables. Pesto has a rich, herbaceous flavor with a hint of nuttiness from the pine nuts and a sharpness from the Parmesan cheese. It is often described as being fresh, vibrant, and aromatic.
Flavor Profiles:
- Nutty
- Cheesy
- Herbal
- Garlic
What goes with Pesto:
- Fish – Pesto’s intense flavors can elevate mild white fish, while stronger fish like salmon can stand up to pesto’s bold taste.
- Chicken – The richness of chicken, especially grilled or baked, balances the strong herbal taste of pesto.
- Garlic –
- Pasta – Pesto’s creamy texture and bold flavors pair perfectly with pasta, allowing the sauce to cling to each noodle.
- Parmesan Cheese –
- Quinoa – Pesto-tossed quinoa provides a protein-packed, gluten-free base for a variety of dishes, from salads to stir-fries.
- Red Onion –
- Rice – Pesto-infused rice, like risotto or pilaf, offers a lighter, aromatic alternative to traditional cream or cheese sauces.
- Lemon –
- Potatoes – Roasted or grilled potatoes provide a hearty base for pesto, whose herbs and garlic complement the earthy potato taste.
- Bread – The nutty and herbaceous flavors of pesto complement the mild and slightly sweet taste of bread.
- Bell Peppers –
- Grilled Chicken – The mild flavor and texture of grilled chicken complements the strong herby taste of pesto.
- Eggs – Pesto adds a depth of flavor to scrambled eggs, frittatas, or omelettes, making breakfast or brunch a savory delight.
- Basil –
- Roasted Vegetables – The sweet and caramelized flavors of roasted vegetables provide a nice contrast to the strong flavors of pesto.
- Cherry Tomatoes –
- Mozzarella Cheese –
- Baked Sweet Potatoes – The sweetness of baked sweet potatoes balances out the strong flavors of pesto.
- Veggies – Pesto adds a burst of flavor to grilled or roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers.
- Fried Eggs – The rich and creamy yolk of a fried egg complements the herby and garlicky flavors of pesto.
- Bruschetta – Toasted bread, garlic, and fresh tomatoes create a simple yet delicious base for pesto, perfect as an appetizer or light meal.
- Gnocchi – Pesto’s sauce coats gnocchi’s soft, pillowy texture, creating a harmonious combination of flavors and textures.