BASIL PESTO

Basil grows in sunny climate very well, and it was a pleasure to pluck the basil leaves from the deck,  and when my daughter made this great pesto.......it was heavenly!!! This pesto is so useful, can be used as a spread for sandwiches, can be used as a dip, and more than anything...it is so healthy!!
Basil  is anti oxidant, anti inflammatory, helps fight stress and various diseases.
Pesto generally means any puree with crushed ingredients. This , traditionally used to be made with pine nuts. We can use any nuts of our choice.
Daughter made this to demonstrate  how to make this pesto, and she also made vegetable paninis (recipe to follow)

Ingredients

Basil - 1 bunch, leaves removed, washed and drained

Walnuts - 1/2 cup

Olive oil - 3/4 cup

Garlic - 8-10 pods

Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup

salt to taste

Recipe Cuisine: Italian; Category: Dip/accompaniment

Prep time: 10 mts; Cooking time: nil

Yields 1 small bowl

picture below shows all the things that have made this wonderful pesto

Load everything into the blender jar, and grind to a smooth paste

This post first appeared in www.malpatskitchen.com

Notes

*Pesto can be made with coriander leaves, spinach etc. And nowadays, in some gourmet stores, fresh basil is available too.

*Walnuts are so good for health, and a major portion of this pesto is made up of that. 

* This can be refrigerated and used for a week atleast.

Categories: Accompaniment & dips, Family contributions, International cuisine